The Art and Craft of Printing

"The Art and Craft of Printing" by William Morris is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the founding principles and practices of the Kelmscott Press, which Morris established to produce beautiful and legible books that pay homage to the aesthetics of medieval print culture. It delves into the intricacies of typography and design, revealing Morris's dedication to craftsmanship in the art of bookmaking. The opening of the work reveals Morris's motivations for starting the Kelmscott Press and his admiration for medieval calligraphy and early printing techniques. He articulates his desire to create books that are aesthetically pleasing yet functional, stressing the importance of quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as spacing, typeface selection, and decorative ornamentation. Morris provides insights into his processes, including the hand-crafted paper he deemed essential for durability and beauty, as well as his explorations into type design, all of which lay the groundwork for his vision of an ideal book. (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.