William Morris: Decor and Design

Library Journal

Morris (1834-96) was an amazing figure, an accomplished painter, poet, translator, weaver, and typographer; a designer of stained glass, tiles, carpets, furniture, and tapestries; and a socialist organizer. Wilhide focuses on Morris's zeal to ``Bring art back into people's lives'' via his stunning wallpapers and furnishings, which drastically changed late 19th-century English interiors. While the book is well written and researched, its special appeal is the inclusion of numerous lush photos of historic rooms decorated by Morris & Co., along with contemporary rooms decorated from current sources. For the decorator or renovator interested in achieving the Arts and Crafts style, there is an illustrated glossary of current suppliers, dealers, and collections. An essential companion to William Morris by Himself (Little, Brown, 1988) and Linda Parry's William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement (Portland House, 1989). Highly recommended for public and academic li braries.-- Joseph Hewgley, Nashville P.L.