And ever the great bell overhead Boom'd in the wind a knell for the dead -- Though no one toll'd it, a knell for the dead! -- "The Blue Closet" Here Morris explores many of the ideas and themes that would provide continued inspiration throughout his long and influential career -- especially those arising out of the Arthurian tradition, such as "King Arthur's Tomb," and "Sir Galahad, A Christmas Mystery."

Author Biography

William Morris ( 1834 - 1896) was an English textile designer, poet, novelist, translator 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 played a significant role in propagating the early socialist movement in Britain.