William Morris [Hardcover]

Linda Parry (Editor), Victoria and Albert Museum (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0856674419 | ISBN-13: 978-0856674419 | Publication Date: November 2003

William Morris was one of the most influencial designers of the 19th century, and his appeal remains strong today. Many of his wallpaper, carpet, and textile patterns are still in production. Now, the life and work of this pioneer of the British Arts and Crafts Movement is fully analyzed for the first time in the most complete and multifaceted look at Morris ever published. 565 illustrations, 394 in color.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The multifaceted achievement of English Victorian designer William Morris (1834-1896) is scrutinized in this ravishing catalogue of a centenary exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Parry, a curator at the museum, opens with a useful biographical sketch. Next, Morris biographer Fiona MacCarthy explores how the Arts and Crafts pioneer's belief in visual harmony as a basic human function informed his work in embroidery, furniture, domestic decoration, stained glass, painting, wallpapers, engravings, illumination and calligraphy, tapestry, textiles?areas discussed in greater depth in subsequent essays by British and American design historians and curators. Other selections succinctly examine Morris's activities as writer of stories, poems and prose romances, socialist proselytizer, shrewd businessman, conservationist. The closing section presents three contrasting views of Morris: an overrated inspired amateur; an eclectic humanist, forerunner of postmodernism; a pioneer who ironically inspired both left-wing internationalists and ethnic nationalists seeking a vernacular. Featuring 394 color and 161 black-and-white illustrations, this album will thrill Morris devotees. BOMC selection.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Philip Wilson Pub Ltd (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0856674419
• ISBN-13: 978-0856674419
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,710,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for collectors of Art Nouveau, glass, or textiles, September 8, 2008

A Kid's Review

This review is from: William Morris (Hardcover)

I saw a copy of this book at the V&A museum store in London and did not buy it then because I thought it was too expensive. I had to wait 6 months to find one used for sale and was thrilled to get it, even though it was about the same price as the new one I passed up. I am overjoyed with this book, which is the best, most complete visualization of the beautiful and varied works of a gifted professional artist. The repeating wallpaper images are wonderful. Loved the biography part as well. You need a copy of this one, even if you have thinner offerings of his works.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars William Morris Life, August 31, 2011

By 

aravlyn1 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: William Morris (Hardcover)

Lots to read and some very interesting photos. Very good book to pick up and read in sections. Ideal first book if interested in the life of William Morris.