Portrait of William Morris

Author profile

William Morris

1834–1896 · England

An English designer, poet and socialist whose prose romances helped renew medieval fantasy as a modern literary form.

Fantasy Fiction

Life and context

A short timeline

1834
Born in England.
1894
The Wood Beyond the World published.
1858
The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems published.
Unknown year
The Well at the World's End: A Tale published.
1896
End of the author’s recorded life.

Recurring concerns

Themes and style

journey
fellowship
desire
social order

Deliberately archaic prose, patterned description and quest-like narrative movement.

Available here

Works by William Morris

7 works in the Linden collection.

Cover of The Wood Beyond the World

Fantasy

The Wood Beyond the World

William Morris

Fantasy · B2–C1 · 5 hr

Cover of The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems

Poetry

The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems

William Morris

Poetry · B2–C1 · 3 hr

Cover of The Well at the World's End: A Tale

Fantasy

The Well at the World's End: A Tale

William Morris

Fantasy · B2–C1 · 20 hr

Cover of Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair

Fantasy

Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair

William Morris

Fantasy · B2–C1 · 4 hr

Cover of A Dream of John Ball; and, A King's Lesson

History

A Dream of John Ball; and, A King's Lesson

William Morris

History · B2–C1 · 3 hr

Cover of Signs of Change

Essays

Signs of Change

William Morris

Essays · B2–C1 · 4 hr

Cover of The Hollow Land

Fantasy

The Hollow Land

William Morris

Fantasy · B2–C1 · 80 min

Author FAQ

Where should I start?

Which William Morris book should I read first?

Explore The Wood Beyond the World, then compare the lengths and subjects of the available works.

Is the author portrait historical?

This is a Linden original, historically informed editorial portrait—not an archival photograph. It is based on commonly documented appearance and period clothing; reuse status: Linden original artwork.