This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
[RAMPANT LIONS PRESS]. William Morris: The Story of Cupid and Psyche. Introduction by A.R. Dufty. London and Cambridge: [Rampant Lions Press for] Clover Hill Editions, [1974]. 2 volumes 4to. 44 wood–engraved illustrations designed by Edward Burne–Jones mostly engraved by William Morris and printed from Morris’ original blocks, numerous collotype reproductions of preliminary drawings by Morris. Original publisher’s quarter blue cloth, decorative paste paper over boards designed by Morris, brown morocco lettering–pieces, top edges gilt, others uncut (gilt titles on labels faded); original slipcase. LIMITED EDITION, number 124 of 270 copies. In the 1860s Morris had planned an edition of his poem “The Earthly Paradise” to be illustrated by Edward Burne–Jones. Some 50 of the illustrations were engraved as woodcuts – 36 or more of these are by Morris himself – which is the only occasion that he is known to have engraved woodblocks. The project was abandoned and in 1898 after Burne–Jones’ death, the 44 woodblocks were bequeathed by May Morris to the Society of Antiquaries of London, where they remained, unnoticed, until 1968. “The Carters achieved a superb integration of text and illustrations. This is one of the greatest illustrated editions of a work by Morris” (Coupe, Illustrated editions of the Works of William Morris 4.5b). From the private library of a distinguished Chicago book collector.