1974 The Story of Cupid and Psyche

Description

Illustrated, Limited Edition, Pleasing Copy, Publishers' Original Binding, Very Scarce, With Slipcase

Complete in three volumes. Limited edition works. Volume I and II are one of two-hundred and seventy copies, this copy numbered fifty-six. The portfolio is one of one-hundred portfolios, numbered xii. Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, and twenty-six plates. Collated, complete. Volume II illustrated with forty-one in-text engravings. Collated, complete. The portfolio contains forty-four loose plates. Collated, complete. Volumes I and II are in their original cloth slipcase, in a very good indeed condition. The portfolio is in it's original cloth box, in a very good indeed condition. Containing two copies of the prospectus, one large copy, one smaller copy, and a large paper leaflet, a note on the engravings. Volume I is the introductory volume, by A. R. Duffy. Engraved card loosely inserted, signed by the Honorary Secretary of the William Morris Society Ronald Briggs. The card depicts the engraving 'The Musicians', and was printed in November 1974. Briggs was a founder member of the Society, and actually held Membership No. I. He served as secretary for the Society from 1957-1980. 'The Story of Cupid and Psyche' is a verse retelling of the Greek myth, the story originally appearing in 'Metamorphoses' by Apuleius. William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones had begun discussing this project in the 1860s, with Burne-Jones then going on to draw over forty designs for Morris to engrave. However, both men abandoned the idea. It wasn't until this publication that the engravings were seen, with the plates being printed from Morris' original woodblocks. Wood engravings designed by Edward Burne-Jones, and mostly engraved by William Morris. 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'.