The Well at the World's End

by William Morris

$15,000 · Offered by Biblio

First edition

London/Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1896. Vellum. Very Good +. Edward Burne-Jones. A very pleasing copy, one of 300 prnted in Chaucer type on Batchelor hand-made paper. 4 frontispieces and first pages of the text of the four books enclosed within elaborate woodcut borders, printed in red and black, woodcut initials. Thick quarto, original limp vellum, gilt-lettered spine (rubbed), all 6 original silk ties in place and intact. One of William Morris's most elaborate works, reminiscent of the Chaucer and completed only 2 months before it. Each of the four books contained is introduced with a breathtaking Edward Burne-Jones woodcut. Among the last books to be printed by Morris and his press before his death in October, 1896. Universally viewed as one of the great fantasy works of the late 19th century, heavily influencing C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to come. And one of Kelmscott's loveliest productions.

• Publisher: Kelmscott Press
• Year: 1896
• Edition: First Edition
• Binding: unknown

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