Dictes and Sayings of the Philosophers

[2] The Arabic original is known as Mukhtār al-ḥikam wa-maḥāsin al-kalim ('Compendium of Maxims and Aphorisms'), and was written toward the middle of the eleventh century by a Syrian-born emir of the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt, Al-Mubashshir ibn Fatik.

[2] The earliest European translation was the Spanish Los Bocados de Oro, completed in the reign of Alfonso X of Castile (1252–1284).

[1] Wisdom literature became popular throughout medieval Europe and subsequently versions appeared in several languages, including Latin, Occitan, Old Spanish, and Middle French.

[4] Anthony Woodville, 2nd Earl Rivers's English translation of The Dictes and Sayings of the Philosophers was printed at least three times by William Caxton (1477, ca.

In this Caxton points to Woodville's omission of Socrates' remarks on women, which subsequently led to the inclusion of an additional chapter.

Presentation miniature for Dictes and Sayings of the Philosophers , showing Anthony Woodville presenting the book to Edward IV , who is accompanied by his wife Elizabeth , son Edward and brother Richard . Lambeth Palace , London.
Colophon of William Caxton, 1477