Ancoats Brotherhood Pamphlet.
(Hammersmith): Kelmscott Press, 1894-95. Bifolium sheet printed on both sides.(4)pp. One of 250 copies. The initial full-page woodcut illustration by Edward Burne-Jones first appeared in John Ruskin's The Dream of John Ball, and depicts, with suitable romance and foreboding, Adam and Eve after their expulsion from Eden. Both clothed in hides, Adam digs into the ground while Eve begins her spinning; about her legs are a young Cain and Abel. The rest of the pamphlet evinces William Morris' handiwork, with ten-line and six-line initials, vinous borders, and his printer's mark. Morris produced the edition for the Ancoats Brotherhood, a Manchester socialist society aimed at bringing art and literature to the area and to improve conditions for the working classes. The work's chosen poems by Tennyson and prose by Ruskin reflect these egalitarian values, calling for prioritization of humanity over earthly gain, and espousing the inherent goodness and Godliness of all people. Faint spot to upper corner, else very fine. Item #30487
(Peterson D5).
Price: $4,750.00