THE SUNDERING FLOOD by (KELMSCOTT PRESS). MORRIS, WILLIAM - 1897 [issued 1898]

Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1897 [issued 1898]. ONE OF 300 COPIES ON PAPER (and 10 on vellum). Dated 1897, but issued in February of 1898, this was the last romance written by William Morris and the final book but two to be produced at the Kelmscott Press. Because of Morris' failing health, the last few pages were written down from his dictation by Sydney Cockerell, and the work appeared posthumously, being printed from an uncorrected manuscript and seen through the press by his daughter, May Morris. The map on the front pastedown was the inspiration for Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth cartography. Because of the thickness of the book and the insubstantial materials it is made of, fine copies of this title are especially difficult to find.. 210 x 146 mm. (8 1/4 x 5 3/4"). 2 p.l. (including woodcut map at front), 507, [1] pp. ONE OF 300 COPIES ON PAPER (and 10 on vellum). Publisher's blue paper boards, expertly rebacked with linen matching the original, spine with publisher's paper label at head, edges untrimmed. Front pastedown with line block map drawn by H. Cribb, elaborate woodcut border and initial on first page of text, and woodcut borders and initials at the beginning of each chapter, small woodcut initials throughout, Kelmscott device in colophon. Rear pastedown with bookplate of Dayton Cole. Peterson A-51; Sparling 51; Walsdorf "William Morris" 51; Tomkinson, p. 121. Minor soiling to boards, a touch of light marginal foxing on a few leaves, and one or two small marginal stains, otherwise a fine copy, quite clean, fresh, and bright. Dated 1897, but issued in February of 1898, this was the last romance written by William Morris and the final book but two to be produced at the Kelmscott Press. Because of Morris' failing health, the last few pages were written down from his dictation by Sydney Cockerell, and the work appeared posthumously, being printed from an uncorrected manuscript and seen through the press by his daughter, May Morris. The map on the front pastedown was the inspiration for Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth cartography. Because of the thickness of the book and the insubstantial materials it is made of, fine copies of this title are especially difficult to find.