Books

2 Volumes. 8vo. pp. vii, 378, [1]; vi, 279, [1]. with half-titles. original linen-backed bds. (spines darkened & curled at head, labels bit chipped, corners worn, ownership entry on front flyleaf, otherwise internally fine). First Trade Edition of the most famous fantasy novel by William Morris, English author, artist, textile designer, and socialist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the English Arts and Crafts Movement. It follows the limited edition issued by the Kelmscott Press earlier the same year. Unlike other authors who wrote of foreign lands or of dream worlds, Morris was the first to describe completely invented or fantasy worlds. His work served as a source of inspiration for C.S.Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien. "One of the most complex and beautiful fantasy quests ever written." (Magill, Survey of Modern Fantasy Literature V, p. 2091).

The Well at the World's End is a high fantasy novel by the British artist, designer, poet, and novelist William Morris. It is widely regarded as one of the forerunners to the entire modern fantasy genre, predating works by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.