The World According to William Morris

A rich anthology of quotations by the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement – and master of the aphorism – William Morris (1834–1896). ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ ‘The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.’ This book offers a compelling glimpse into the life and work of one of the best-known and loved designers and visionaries of the 19th century. Drawing from Morris’s essays, lectures, poetry and letters, this collection is structured around eight key themes that define his life and work: Art and Design, Craftsmanship, Buildings and Architecture, Stories and Storytelling, the Environment, Work, Socialism, and the Future. From his passionate advocacy for beautiful design, craft and authenticity, to his deep commitment to social justice, Morris’s voice speaks directly to the contemporary concerns of our digital era. This anthology reveals a thinker who fused aesthetics with ethics, imagination with action. Elegantly designed, beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking, The World According to William Morris offers an accessible introduction to William Morris for those new to his work and a fascinating companion to his long-time admirers. It invites us to reflect on the value of art, the dignity of labour and the possibility of a more humane and harmonious world – ideas as pertinent and inspiring today as they were in Morris’s lifetime.