the kelmscott chaucer

michael arranged for us to visit the houghton today to see books printed from the days of classical printing through to the revival of artisanal printing in the late 19th century and beyond. some wonders:

• william morris's copy of the hypnerotomachia poliphili, printed by aldus manutius in venice in 1499.
  
• a copy of the works of virgil, with extensive, crabby marginalia attributed to philipp melanchthon (!) and printed by aldus manutius (the younger, probably) at the aldine press in venice, 1514.
  
• the works of geoffrey chaucer, this copy printed on vellum by william morris (illustrations by edward burne-jones) at the kelmscott press in hammersmith in 1892.

particularly interesting: the woodcut illustrations by burne-jones were reproduced for the print run using photographic plates. not what you think of when you think of morris, but very practical.