Geoffrey Chaucer, Kelmscott Press Edition

Summary

In this video, Adam Douglas presents a remarkable 1896 edition of 'The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer,' printed by the Kelmscott Press in Hammersmith. The book, a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, features 87 illustrations by Edward Burne-Jones and was printed on high-quality linen paper with Morris-designed type. The book's intricate details, such as custom woodcut initials and luxurious binding, showcase William Morris's dedication to reviving medieval craftsmanship. This edition also includes gilded edges, clasps, and an exclusive binding by the Doves Bindery. A true treasure for collectors, it exemplifies the finest in book design and printing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kelmscott Press edition of *The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer* is considered one of the most beautiful books of the 19th century.
• 😀 The book was printed in 1896 and features detailed craftsmanship, marking the peak of the Arts and Crafts movement in printing.
• 😀 The illustrations are by Edward Burne-Jones, with 87 illustrations throughout the book.
• 😀 Morris designed numerous woodcut initials, with various designs for each letter of the alphabet.
• 😀 The book features magnificent vine leaf decorations, with intricate design details in the margins and side notes.
• 😀 The book's paper is made from pure linen, unlike commercial paper of the time which often used acidic wood pulp.
• 😀 Morris designed the watermark for the paper, inspired by a 15th-century original.
• 😀 The book includes works beyond *The Canterbury Tales*, such as *Troilus and Criseyde*.
• 😀 The Kelmscott Press's typeface was designed by Morris, making this edition a masterpiece of his press's output.
• 😀 The original binding of the book was a simple blue board and linen spine, but collectors often commissioned more elaborate bindings.
• 😀 The copy in question has a binding from the Doves Bindery, using white pigskin and gold leaf edges, designed to reflect medieval craftsmanship.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Kelmscott Press in the context of the Arts and Crafts movement?

The Kelmscott Press, owned by William Morris, represents the high point of the Arts and Crafts movement in printing. It emphasized craftsmanship, aesthetic beauty, and a return to traditional methods of bookmaking, using materials and designs that reflected medieval techniques.

How many illustrations by Edward Burne-Jones are included in the book?

The book includes 87 illustrations by the pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, adding a rich visual element to the text.

What role did William Morris play in the design of the book?

William Morris not only oversaw the creation of the book but also designed the typeface and watermark. He worked closely with Edward Burne-Jones, even meeting with him on Sundays while Burne-Jones worked on his illustrations.

What is unique about the woodcut initials used in the book?

Each woodcut initial in the book was designed by William Morris, with multiple versions of each letter. Morris designed dozens of different variations for each letter, ensuring that no two initials were exactly the same.

What type of paper was used for this book, and why was it significant?

The book uses pure linen paper, which was rare at the time, as many commercial books were transitioning to wood pulp paper. Linen paper is more durable and does not degrade or turn brown like wood pulp paper, ensuring longevity.

How does the book's design reflect medieval craftsmanship?

The design of the book incorporates medieval elements such as the vine leaf decorations, intricate woodcut illustrations, and the typeface designed by Morris, all of which evoke the craftsmanship of the Middle Ages.

What is the significance of the binding, and how does it relate to the book's overall design?

The original binding was a simple, blue board with a linen spine, chosen as a provisional option. Many copies were then bound in more luxurious styles, with one of the most notable bindings being done by the Doves Bindery, using white pigskin and based on a design from a 1478 Coburger Bible.

What is a notable feature of the book's gilded edges?

The book features gilded edges applied to the rough edges of the leaves, which is a hand-applied technique that enhances the book's aesthetic and contrasts with machine-finished edges.

Why did Burne-Jones refer to the book as a 'pocket Cathedral'?

Burne-Jones referred to the book as a 'pocket Cathedral' because it was so filled with intricate designs and craftsmanship, much like a cathedral would be full of artistic and architectural detail.

What is included in the final pages of the book to indicate its completion?

At the end of the book, a colophon provides the details of the book’s creation, including the printer (William Morris) and the date it was finished (May 8, 1896). This practice of including a colophon was common in medieval books.