The Works of William Morris

14 entries · 4 sections

The Earthly Paradise

The Earthly Paradise, (March-August)William Morris, 1868 — William Morris’ epic-length poetry cycle set in the worlds of Classical mythology and the fairytale.The Earthly Paradise, (September-November)William Morris, 1870 — This part of Morris’ epic includes a lengthly retelling of an incident from the Icelandic Laxdaela Saga, the Lovers of Gudrun, which some consider among Morris’ best poetry The Earthly Paradise, (December-February)William Morris, 1870 — The conclusion of Morris’ epic work, including the tale of Hercules and the Golden Apples; Aslaug, the daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild; Bellerophon; and two tales of the Goddess Venus.

Translations from the Sagas

The Story of the VolsungsWilliam Morris, 1888 — includes extracts from the Poetic Edda.

Utopian

News from NowhereWilliam Morris, 1891 — William Morris’ vision of a socialist England.

Fantasy novels

William Morris was one of the inventors of the modern fantasy novel, quests set in self-contained worlds with Celtic, Icelandic and fairy-tale elements. Morris’ mastery of English prose make each and every one of these books a joy to read.

The Hollow LandWilliam Morris, 1856 — One of William Morris’ first fantasy tales, featuring a quest for a realm only half-glimpsed by mortals.The Roots of the MountainsWilliam Morris, 1889 — A fantasy novel set in the world of the Icelandic sagas.The House of the WolfingsWilliam Morris, 1889 — Morris’ fantasy novel set among the ancient Germanic tribes was cited as in influence Tolkien.The Story of the Glittering PlainWilliam Morris, 1891 — A quest for a stolen fiance leads us into the utopian Land of the Glittering Plain.The Wood Beyond the WorldWilliam Morris, 1894 — The Wood Beyond the World is one of Morris’ masterpieces which he originally published using hand-set type.Child Christopher and Goldilind the FairWilliam Morris, 1895 — Morris’ retelling of the medieval Lay of Havelock the Dane, cited as an influence on C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian.The Well at the World’s EndWilliam Morris, 1896 — A classic journey ‘there and back again’ to find a well which confers near-imortality.The Water of the Wondrous IslesWilliam Morris, 1897 — One of the first fantasy novels with a well-developed female heroine.The Sundering FloodWilliam Morris, 1897 — Morris’ last fantasy novel, finished on his death-bed.