Books

First Kelmscott edition, one of 300 copies on paper from a total edition of 310. Originally published in serial form in 1890, Morris's influential combination of socialist utopian fantasy and science fiction was one of the earliest books which he planned for his Kelmscott Press. During the production of the book, Sydney Cockerell suggested that a picture of Kelmscott Manor should be given as a frontispiece. This was designed by C. M. Gere, engraved by W. H. Hooper, and printed with a border designed by Morris. Charles March Gere was also responsible for a painting of Holcombe House in 1926. The House, located near Painswick in Gloucestershire, was rebuilt in an arts and crafts style by Detmar Blow in the 1920s and this copy of Morris's book bears a Holcombe House bookplate. Loosely inserted is a note that this copy was exhibited by the William Morris Society and the Society of Designer Craftsmen in a 1996 touring exhibition (see A Vision in Action - William Morris and the Crafts Today, 1996). An illustration of the frontispiece and opening leaf of text, using this copy, was included in the exhibition catalogue. Octavo. Original limp vellum, spine lettered in gilt, silk ties. Housed in a custom-made folding box. Wood-engraved frontispiece, ornamental woodcut borders and initials. Printed in red and black in Golden type. Bookplate on front pastedown. Natural color variance to vellum as usual, some toning to spine, lacking rear ties, occasional internal foxing: a very good copy. LeMire A-50.05; Peterson A12.

A utopian novel that describes an ideal society in a future England.