The crowning achievement of Morris and Kelmscott Press was the 1896 edition of the complete works of Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400). Known as the Kelmscott Chaucer, it is celebrated for its intricate wood engravings and design. Printed in a limited edition, it was illustrated by artist Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1899). The copy offered in the sale is estimated at $60,000 – 90,000.
Other highlights include:
- A Note on the Founding of The Kelmscott Press by Morris, one of only 12 copies printed on vellum and the last book printed by the press (estimate: $30,000 – $50,000)
- Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile, an extremely rare copy, translated from the ancient French by Morris. One of only 15 copies printed on vellum, it is the first copy of this type to be sold at auction in 80 years (estimate: $15,000 – $25,000)
- The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine (c. 1230-1298) and translated by William Caxton. Inscribed by Morris and presented to his friend and collaborator Burne-Jones (estimate: $10,000 – $15,000)
- The Book of Wisdom and Lies translated by Oliver Wardrop. Inscribed by Morris to poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling (estimate: $10,000 – $15,000)
- a rare example of an original title-page design by Morris for Ballads and Narrative Poems by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (estimate: $8,000 – $12,000)
- a first edition of The Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493 by Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514), the most extensively illustrated book of the 15th century (estimate: $30,000 – $50,000)
- The Flower Book. Reproductions of Thirty-Eight Watercolour Designs 1905 by Burne-Jones, a limited edition featuring 38 colored plates (estimate: $3,000 – $5,000)
- The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides and published by Ashendene Press in a limited edition run in 1930 (estimate: $3,000 – $5,000)
