Scarce. First edition thus. A delightful collection of William Morris' poems, mostly inspired by myth and legend, including some of his darker poems and more Romantic medievalist pieces. This is a first impression copy of the first edition to be illustrated by Jessie M. King, a celebrated book designer, illustrator and jewellery maker and part of the Glasgow Girls. King's signature delicate art nouveau-inspired designs often feature vertical structures, delicate dot detailing, and dripping, watery or windswept fineline scenes.
Rebound in very good condition with the original cloth laid over neatly showing a small, tidy gap to the head and tail of the spine. Very light handling wear to the boards, corners gently knocked, light foxing to preliminaries. White professional repair tape visible to both endpapers, binding nice and solid. Very generously illustrated with full plates, vignettes, headings and tailpieces. Bound in red cloth with King's gilt-stamped motifs and titles to both boards and spine, gilt top edge with others untrimmed. 19.5 x 14 cm. Pp. 310.
