With its radical blend of utopian socialism and science fiction, William Morris's novel News from Nowhere caused a stir when it was first published in instalments in the Commonweal in 1890. The narrator William Guest awakens to find himself in a utopian England in the 21st century. Industrial buildings have been transformed into a pastoral paradise; civilians are dressed in 14th-century costume; there is an abundance of openair markets and wooded areas and gardens; and money, prisons and divorce have been abolished. In this vision of a socialist future, individuals have the freedom to choose their own economic and creative pursuits. Two years after its initial publication, the novel became one of the first books printed by Morris's newly founded Kelmscott Press. A copy of this rare edition - only 300 were produced - is held in the National Art Library at the V&A; this publication is a reproduction of that volume. Morris oversaw all aspects of the original production, from the selection of the paper and ink to the choice of his own Golden typeface and the position of the printed matter on the page. The result was a timeless triumph in book design and making. This new edition makes Morris's design available to a wide audience for the first time.

Published in association with the V&A, an exquisite facsimile of the Kelmscott Press edition of William Morris's seminal 1890 novel - with an introduction by Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury

About the Author
William Morris (1834-1896) was an English artist, designer, social reformer and writer associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Arts and Crafts Movement. One of the most influential thinkers and artists of his time, his interest in politics and social reform led him to help found the Socialist League in 1884. Morris's belief in art as the expression of joy in labour had its final flowering in the Kelmscott Press, which he established in 1891 and which was to have a profound influence on book design and production.

Reviews
'This facsimile edition [...] reproduces the original book in all its visually stunning glory' - The Lady



Book Information
ISBN 9780500519394
Author William Morris
Format Hardback
Page Count 324
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 700g