Gothic Architecture: A Lecture for the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society

Title: Gothic Architecture: A Lecture for the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society

Author: Morris, William

Publication: [London]: Sold by William Morris, Kelmscott Press, Upper Mall, Hammersmith, 1893.

Description: William Morris' paper on Gothic architecture, first presented as a lecture at London's New Gallery for the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1889, and printed by the Kelmscott Press during the Arts and Crafts Exhibition in 1893. First edition, second state, with corrected text. Edition limited to 1500 copies. Printed in red and black in the Golden type designed by Morris, on handmade Batchelor paper with the "Flower" watermark. Four- and six-line wood-engraved initials designed by Morris and engraved by William Harcourt Hooper. Original publisher's binding of quarter linen with blue printed paper over boards. Housed in custom marbled paper-covered chemise in marbled paper-covered slipcase with gold-tooled teal goatskin spine (sunned, chipped). 16mo; 5.75 x 4.25 inches; [2], 68, [6] pages. Bookplate of George Abbot James (1838-1917), a Massachusetts lawyer and brother-in-law of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Later acquired by Arthur Williams Hall (1873-1952) of Massachusetts, bibliophile and manufacturer of laboratory equipment, with his small pencil note on the front free endpaper; thence by descent through three generations. Touch of wear to extremities, else Fine, with an exceptionally clean interior.

The content of this book reflects Morris' aesthetic philosophy, linking medieval craftsmanship, architecture, and the ideals that shaped the Kelmscott Press. It is the first book printed by the Kelmscott Press in the 16mo format and the first appearance of Morris' four-line initials. An unusually fresh copy. Reference: Peterson, W.S. Bibliography of the Kelmscott Press, A18.