Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1896-97. The Earthly Paradise was a collection of epic and romantic poems by William Morris (1834-1896) that first appeared in 1868-1870 when he was still in his thirties, and established Morris's reputation as an important poet. He planned to do an edition elaborately illustrated by his great friend, the artist Edward Burne-Jones but it was never realized. This Kelmscott Press edition had eight volumes that were issued between July 1896 and September 1897. There were 225 paper copies and 6 copies on vellum. These eight leaves are from volume five and contain pages 49-64 of The Land East of the Sun and West of the Moon. They are collected as one signature. The beautiful text pages have two 6-line decorated initials and twenty 4-line initials. Printed on Apple paper in Golden type using red and black inks. This was the first book in which Apple paper was used. Pages measure 6.5 x 9.5 inches. Except for some light browning to page edges the leaves are in near fine condition. An excellent example of the typography and printing of the Kelmscott Press and a wonderful addition to a teaching collection. PRI/070320. Near Fine.

Item #34159

Price: $350.00