William Morris

[Primsong]

I'm just wondering if any of you have read any of the works of William Morris? He's an 'honorary Inkling' in that his writings greatly influenced and inspired both Tolkien and Lewis. Tolkien wrote in a letter to Edith Bratt once that he hoped

".....Amongst other work I am trying to turn one of the stories—which is really a very great story and most tragic—into a short story somewhat on the lines of Morris' romances with chunks of poetry in between...."

It didn't stay short.

I highly recommend The Well at the World's End and The Wood Between the Worlds (an evil Queen keeping the land in enchantment, holding a captive and traveling about with her evil Dwarf helper - Sound familiar?)

This is serious romantic writing, like reading a rich poetic tapestry with heroic legends drawn through. You may have to special order them as they are hard to find but completely worth tracking down. There are some very familiar elements in them, right down to Shadowfax and the nation of Rohan in all but name. Elements of Aragorn and Arwen are seen, as is Gandalf who is almost himself, just less user-friendly to those around him.

 

[Benisse]

catalyst

Morris was an amazingly gifted artist, craftsman and designer in addition to being the creator of groundbreaking fantasy worlds. But not the least part of his gift was the fact that his work inspired/inspires other artists and writers, like a catalyst stirring up creativity in his wake.

 

[Primsong]

Thank you for the reply - I am not surprised to hear someone who could produce literature of this complexity and beauty would have also been something of a Renaissance man in other areas of his life as well. I look forward to learning more of his accomplishments.