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Geoffrey Chaucer (d. 1400)
The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted (London, 1896)

The iconic Kelmscott Chaucer—this copy being one of only three printed on vellum and bound in full pigskin—is the crowning achievement of William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones’ ventures into book production. As a practicing artist, I’m fascinated by recreations of historical artistry.  Reinterpretations always speak to the values of the interpreters: through their Kelmscott press, Morris and Burne-Jones reject industrial-era values by elevating their vision of medieval craft. This book reminds me that I, too, carry my values with me whenever I engage with the past.

Typ 805K.96.274, Gift of Henry Arthur Jones, 1906