1896 The Well at the World's End

Description

First Edition, Publishers' Original Binding

The first trade edition, following the Kelmscott limited edition published earlier in the same year.

Complete in two volumes.

'The Well at the World's End' is a high fantasy novel by William Morris, revolving around a King and his four sons. The King's sons decide to travel the world, leaving one brother, Ralph, behind, to ensure there is one living heir. Ralph, however, departs in secret, contrary to his father's orders.

Though the novel is now relatively obscure, it was well received upon its publication, and inspired writers such as H. G. Wells, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien.

William Morris is best known today for his striking textile designs and patterns, which are still very popular today. He was, however, also very significant in the early socialist movement, as well as being an author of epic poems and novels. Some of his other publications include 'The Earthly Paradise', 'The Roots of the Mountains', and 'News from Nowhere'.