The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems
London: John Lane/The Bodley Head, 1904. Illustrated by Jessie M. King. First printing thus. Publisher's red cloth pictorially stamped in gilt, teg, bottom and fore edges deckle edged, plain endpapers. Octavo. 310. 7.75" x 5.5" Mild to moderate foxing throughout but localized in endpapers; mild gutter gap at signature G but holding; sunned spine with light pressing to tips; mild edge wear; overall near fine copy, tight and brightly gilt. Item #235287
Not only is The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems William Morris's first volume, it is also the first published book of Pre-Raphaelite poetry. A notable figure in art, architecture, publishing, and literature, Morris's achievements include founding Kelmscott Press and being the first to create an entirely new fantasy world in literature. Inspired by Malory's Morte d'Arthur, The Defence of Guenevere is a moving tale written in terza rima of the Queen claiming her innocence in the face of infidelity charges. Also included in this volume is Morris's well-known poem The Haystack in the Floods, a tragic but beautiful romance. This edition is supplemented by Jessie Marion King's illustrations. King was a Scottish illustrator best known for her children's illustrations. Although her beginnings were humble--she had to hide her drawings from her mother to save them from being torn up-- King became one of the "Glasgow Girls," a group of female illustrators partly responsible for creating the Glasgow Style.
Price: $750.00