Overview

"In 1891 William Morris founded the Kelmscott Press after a lifelong crusade against the dehumanizing effects of Victorian industrialism. During its brief history (1891-8) the Press produced 52 books, including the famous ""Chaucer"", which offered a powerful vision of what Morris called ""the ideal book"" and set new standards for fine printing. This study of Morris' endeavours draws on a wide range of unpublished letters and diaries to provide a full-length account of the history of the Press."

Full Product Details

9780198128878

Table of Contents

Reviews

If you associate Morris simply with rich, often overpowering, floral motifs then you may be surprised to learn of the phenomenal output of this extremely demanding designer, printer, perfectionist, radical socialist and founder of one of the most innovative private printing presses in history. This beautiful volume tells of the life and times of the Kelmscott Press and is living proof that Morris's pioneering work in the revival of book production as a craft, not an industrialized process, lives on. The result of ten years' research in British and American libraries, drawing on a wide range of unpublished material, is presented to the reader on deliciously good quality paper and liberally illustrated throughout. Woodcuts from Morris's favourite illustrator - Sir Edward Burne-Jones - appear alongside contemporary satirical comments, notes, inventories etc, and a flamboyant initial letter opens each chapter. Amidst all this visual splendour is a fascinatingly detailed social commentary and anecdotal record of Morris's struggles against industrialization and his own ideals. A totally absorbing production. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available