Writing is only one element of William Morris's diverse achievement. He designed textiles, wallpapers, stained glass, rugs, tapestries, and embroidery; and he founded and managed a company to produce them. He was a leading influence on the Arts and Crafts movement in England and America and, through the work of his disciples, a major force in the reform of art education. He was a pioneer in the causes of historic preservation and environmentalism. His work as a typographer and printer produced some of the finest Victorian books and encouraged the revitalization of the art of printing. His activities as a revolutionary Socialist helped shape the direction of the British party system; the example of his commitment to socialism influenced the movement even when it took directions Morris himself had not envisioned.

William Morris earned his literary reputation as a narrative poet; in recent years, however, his most popular...