The World of Romance being Contributions to The Oxford and Cambridge Magazine, 1856

"The World of Romance" by William Morris is a collection of imaginative tales written during the mid-19th century. Set against a backdrop of medieval customs and architecture, these stories transport readers to a mythical realm steeped in romance and nostalgia. The opening stories introduce characters like Walter, a master-mason reflecting on the church he constructed, and explore themes of love, loss, and artistic creation within the confines of a romanticized medieval landscape. At the start of the collection, the narrative centers on the reflections of Walter, who recalls the beauty of his surroundings while constructing a grand church alongside his sister Margaret. As autumn approaches, Walter becomes lost in memories, weaving vivid imagery of the landscape and the bustling life around the abbey. Amid his thoughts, he yearns for his friend Amyot, who has been away fighting in the holy wars. Their reunion is anticipated, yet a sense of foreboding looms as the story unfolds, hinting at deeper emotional currents and inevitable loss. Through rich, lyrical prose, the opening sets the stage for a journey into a world that blends history and fantasy, exploring the complexities of human yearning amidst the passage of time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Morris was an English textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he helped win acceptance of socialism in fin de siècle Great Britain.