William Morris, 1892 - 1893
Scope and Contents
Proofs of a portion of William Morris’ The Golden Legend, published by his Kelmscott Press in 1892. The proofs here are for pages 327-328, 330-332, and 345-352, and contain notes, editors’ marks, and handwritten initials where woodcuts would later be added. Also included is a note in Morris’ hand addressed to his collaborator the engraver C.E. Keates, and dated February 7th, 1893 regarding the proofs of some woodblocks Keates has made. Morris apparently finds them “quite satisfactory” and asks for the blocks to be sent on to engraver, printer, and Kelmscott co-founder Sir Emery Walker (1851-1933). A large folded envelope with the inscription “Kelmscott Press Proofs of ‘The Golden Legend’ 1892” is also present – possibly from the bookseller or a previous owner.
Dates
- 1892 - 1893
Conditions Governing Access
Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.
Biographical / Historical
William Morris (1834-1896) was an English poet, artist, writer, textile designer, and social activist associated with the British Arts & Crafts movement. In 1891 Morris founded the Kelmscott Press with his collaborator the printer and engraver Sir Emery Walker, and went on to publish 53 books in 66 volumes before Morris’ death in 1898, including the celebrated Kelmscott Chaucer (1896) illustrated with 87 wood engravings of drawings by Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898).
Extent
From the Collection: 30 Cubic Feet (68 boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
From the Collection: Latin
From the Collection: French
From the Collection: Italian
From the Collection: Welsh
From the Collection: Danish
From the Collection: Swedish
From the Collection: Spanish
From the Collection: German
From the Collection: Norwegian
From the Collection: Persian
From the Collection: Japanese
From the Collection: Russian
From the Collection: Greek, Ancient (to 1453)
Creator
- From the Collection: Scheetz, Nicholas B., 1952-2016 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository
Lauinger Library, 5th Floor
37th and O Streets, N.W.
Washington DC 20057
speccoll@georgetown.edu