[Kelmscott Press] — William 🌠Caxton (tras.), and Jacobus de Voraigne

The Golden Legend. Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1892

3 vols., 4to (300 x 220 mm). 2 wood-engraved illustrations by Burne-Jones, ornamental woodcut borders, title and initials, inserted note byඣ Morris present. Original paper-covered boards; rebacked to style, splits to paper labels, some rubbing and sꦜoiling to extremities. 

One of 500 copies printed by William Morris at the Kelmscott Press, and one of the most important.

The present work was inspired by Morris's purchase in 1890 of a copy of the book printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1527. The Golden Legend was intended to be the Kelmscott Press's first work. Due to its length and problems with delivery of paper, however, Morris had to issue several shorter books first before the printing the Legend was completed. Bernard Quaritch was eager to publish th𒆙e book, believing it to be something "...every man of culture should be acquainted with..." and agreed to pay for the printing.

The type, Golden, was one of three designed by William Morris, and was based on that used by the Venetian printer Nicholas Jenson in the 1470's. The handmade paper was produced for Morrisღ by James Batchelor in Kent. As noted by Peterson the work "held great appeal for 💧Morris."