Old French Romances

William Morris (1834-1896) was a British artist and writer. Morris wrote poetry, fiction and translated Icelandic. Morris was part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and was one of the founders of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris believed that art should be hand made and affordable. He also felt that no one form of art was superior to any other. As an artist Morris worked with textiles in weaving, dyeing, carpet making, and wood block printing. His writing often reflected his socialist views. William Morris has rewritten the French romances found in Bibliotheque Elzevirienne. The author has maintained the color and charm of the Middle Ages. Stories included are The Tale of King Coustans the Emperor, The Friendship of Amis and Amile, The Tale of King Florus and the Fair Jehane, and The History of Over Sea.