The Wood Beyond the World
Kelmscott Press. Morris, William
Hammersmith,. Kelmscott Press. 1894
Robert Hall's copy - with his bookplate depicting his library with this copy displayed to show the frontispiece and opening page of text - of William Morris' fantasy novel 'The Wood Beyond the World'.
From the edition limited to 358 copies, with this one of 350 on paper.
'The Wood Beyond the World was written by Morris specifically for the Kelmscott Press. The borders in this book, as well as the ten half-borders, are here used for the first time ... '. (Peterson).
The bookplate of Robert Hall dated 1902, now detached and inserted loose, depicts a contemporary library with a view of a cathedral through the window. Of pertinence here, a number of volumes - all clearly Kelmscotts - are strewn on the table, while lying on the floor and in the foreground are other books and along the right wall are shelves and multiple volumes. The only readily identifiable volume of all those books depicted is a copy of 'The Wood Beyond the World', recognisable by its frontispiece and facing page of text with its Morris border; closer inspection reveals further Kelmscotts: in the foreground is a volume with 'CHAUCER' and 'KELMSCOTT' to the spine, while another, flat on the table' is titled 'BEOWULF' (i.e. 'The Tale of Beowulf'), a third appears to be 'The Glittering Plain' (which version remains unclear), while a fourth may be 'News from Nowhere'.
Although Hall remains unidentified, a cursory search of auction and library records demonstrates that he was undoubtedly a bibliophile - although his bookplate makes this apparent - and that his collection more specifically seemed focussed on the great private presses of his day. Although we have been able to trace other books from Hall's collection, none of them are depicted in his bookplate; it is especially fitting that the present copy is the only example displayed open.
Also included is a previous bookseller's compliment slip with a pencil note noting the same connection between Hall, his bookplate and the present volume.
[Peterson A27].
From the edition limited to 358 copies, with this one of 350 on paper.
'The Wood Beyond the World was written by Morris specifically for the Kelmscott Press. The borders in this book, as well as the ten half-borders, are here used for the first time ... '. (Peterson).
The bookplate of Robert Hall dated 1902, now detached and inserted loose, depicts a contemporary library with a view of a cathedral through the window. Of pertinence here, a number of volumes - all clearly Kelmscotts - are strewn on the table, while lying on the floor and in the foreground are other books and along the right wall are shelves and multiple volumes. The only readily identifiable volume of all those books depicted is a copy of 'The Wood Beyond the World', recognisable by its frontispiece and facing page of text with its Morris border; closer inspection reveals further Kelmscotts: in the foreground is a volume with 'CHAUCER' and 'KELMSCOTT' to the spine, while another, flat on the table' is titled 'BEOWULF' (i.e. 'The Tale of Beowulf'), a third appears to be 'The Glittering Plain' (which version remains unclear), while a fourth may be 'News from Nowhere'.
Although Hall remains unidentified, a cursory search of auction and library records demonstrates that he was undoubtedly a bibliophile - although his bookplate makes this apparent - and that his collection more specifically seemed focussed on the great private presses of his day. Although we have been able to trace other books from Hall's collection, none of them are depicted in his bookplate; it is especially fitting that the present copy is the only example displayed open.
Also included is a previous bookseller's compliment slip with a pencil note noting the same connection between Hall, his bookplate and the present volume.
[Peterson A27].
[134 leaves including terminal blank; pp. (iv), 261]. 8vo. (212 x 148 mm). Frontispiece by Edward Burne-Jones, borders and half-borders by WIlliam Morris, numerous decorative 10-line, 3-line and other initials, printed text in Chaucer type in red and black throughout, final leaf with colophon and large Kelmscott device recto. Original publisher's limp vellum with Yapp edges, yellow silk cloth ties, title gilt to spines.
#48757
