New Virtual Exhibit Commemorating Kelmscott Press Day

Thomas Edward Lawrence (1888-1935), a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia, a.k.a. T.E. Shaw, has been described as an encyclopedic man, a polymath. Among his many interests, perhaps one of the most personal was his great love for books. T.E.L. maintained a distinct interest in fine-printed books throughout his life.

Perhaps the most iconic of books in T.E.L.'s collection was The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, now newly imprinted, edited by F.S. Ellis, ornamented with pictures designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, and engraved on wood by W.H. Hooper, printed by William Morris at the Kelmscott Press, 1896. This very book is today held in the collections of W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen's University Library.

In observation of International Kelmscott Press Day we have created a new virtual exhibition commemorating the 125th anniversary of the publication of William Morris’ Kelmscott press edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer (1896). You can find this exhibit, "A Marvelous Possession": T.E. Lawrence's Kelmscott Chaucer, on our website.