Description

one of 250 copies on paper, printed in red and black with text in Troy type and table of contents in Chaucer type, wood-engraved illustrations designed by Walter Crane and borders and initials by Morris, signed presentation copy from Halliday Sparling to Robert Steele inscribed on front free endpaper and with additional note (?by Steele) concerning the paper used, bookplate of Robert Steele, a few leaves with marginal soiling and one leaf (pp.81-82) with marginal paper flaw repaired with tape, one or two leaves with marginal tears or defects, original holland-backed boards, uncut, boards a little rubbed and marked, corners slightly worn, spine browned and worn at joints and ends, [Peterson A22, see also mistakenly A1 Related Materials (p) which quotes this copy (Hodgson cat., 24th April 1929, no.26) rather than under A22], 4to, Kelmscott Press, 1894. An interesting association copy. The first inscription reads, "To Robert Steele, this 'retree' copy, from the 'corrector for the press', Halliday Sparling 2:xi:94" and the second, "Printed on the experimental paper first made for the KP and rejected as too hard. It was made from clippings of new sail-cloth of pure linen." A loosely inserted manuscript note lists three variations to the published work, most notably the different border design on p.50. Henry Halliday Sparling (1860-1924), was the first Secretary for the press and author of The Kelmscott Press and William Morris Master-Craftsman, 1924 (edited by Robert Steele). He was also briefly married to Morris's daughter, May. Robert Steele (1860-1944) was a well-know mediaevalist and disciple of William Morris.

***The only title to be printed twice by the press: it was the first book issued, in 1891, and again here in 1894, this time with Crane's illustrations, although Morris was not happy with Crane's work and considered this his poorest Kelmscott production. Most of the copies were bound in limp vellum but a few in holland-backed boards..