Kelmscott Press: Morris, William
First edition, one of 250 copies on paper. Morris first started writing his romance in verse, then experimented with prose and verse, before deciding on prose alone. The work tells of the adventures of a naked heroine, Birdalone, who escapes from the claws of a witch and travels to a series of fantasy lands, including the Isle of Increase Unsought, which holds a critical mirror to Victorian Britain.
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Large octavo. Elaborate woodcut borders and initials by Morris, "except the initial words Whilom & Empty, which were completed from his unfinished designs by R. Catterson-Smith" (colophon). Text printed in Chaucer type in black and red, with a few lines in Troy type. Original vellum, spine lettered in gilt, green silk ties. Housed in a custom blue quarter morocco slipcase and chemise. Armorial bookplate of Royal Navy Commander Frederick John Hancock Lloyd (1896-1982), engraved by Charles Thrupp Nightingale; ownership stamp of Jules Max Samson. Vellum a little tight, but clean, light foxing to edges as often, a near-fine copy.
Forman 168; Franklin p. 210; Peterson A45; LeMire A-84.01.
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