The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer is the triumph of William Morris’ Kelmscott Press. Morris created Kelmscott in 1891 as a rebuttal to what he considered the poor quality of mid-19th century mass-produced goods, particularly in the book trade. This masterwork set a new benchmark for book design. Four years in the making, it consists of 87 woodcut illustrations by celebrated Victorian painter Edward Burne-Jones. The Kelmscott Chaucer is the final achievement of William Morris’ press. Morris, who was a writer, textile designer, translator and socialist activist, created Kelmscott Press in 1891 as a rebuttal to what he considered the shoddy quality of mass-produced goods wrought by the increased mechanization of mid-19th century, particularly in the book trade. He wanted to revive the hand printing skills of the pioneering printers of the 15th century. Morris designed his own typefaces, made his own paper, and printed by hand.