William Morris, Art and Socialist Movements: A Collection of Contemporary Pamphlets

William Morris, one of Britain’s leading writers and artists of the Victorian era, was strongly connected to the socialist movement of 19th century Britain and both his literary work and decorative art were widely influenced by its ideas. He was a founding member of the Socialist League and many of his writings were originally published in the League’s official newspapers and pamphlets.

This 3-volume set is a facsimile reprint of a collection of 47 small booklets, written or edited by Morris and his colleagues in the socialist movement, most of which are rare and difficult to access,.

The first volume contains all issues of the two major pamphlet series of the Socialist League as well as his historical documents relating to its foundation, including conference reports and broadsides. Many of them feature beautiful illustrations by Water Crane, a Victorian book illustrator, which are all reproduced in the volume. The second volume includes booklets on socialism published by authors close to Morris as well as by himself. There are also songbooks that he edited. The third volume is devoted to his lectures of art and socialism which he published by himself using the Golden Type he designed.

The facsimile reprint of these items visualizes the essence of Morris’s thought and art and will provide a deeper understanding of what William Morris tried to contribute to the Victorian society through his literary and art works.