David W. H. Morris

1Wood Beyond the World

By William Morris

<i>The Wood beyond the World</i> is a fantasy novel by William Morris, perhaps the first modern fantasy writer to unite an imaginary world with the element of the supernatural, and thus the precursor of much of present-day fantasy literature. His use of archaic language has been seen by some modern readers as making his fiction difficult to read, but brings a wonderful atmosphere to the telling.<br /><br />Morris considered his fantasies a revival of the medieval tradition of chivalrous romances. In consequence, they tend to have sprawling plots of strung-together adventures. In this story, Walter leaves his father and his own unfaithful wife and sets sail in search of adventure. This he finds aplenty, encountering love, treachery and magic in the Wood of the title and in travelling through the Mountains of the Folk of the Bears. But can he find happiness and peace by means of his Quest?<br /><br />Read by Cori Samuel. Edited by <a href="http://www.wisemandarine.com/">Mandarine</a>. Summary by Cori with reference to Wikipedia.

Volume I of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This first volume comprises the discovery, colonization, founding, and early years of the United States of America, describing history for children and young adults in an exiting and novel manner. (Summary by Kalynda)

<p>Volume II of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This second volume supplements the first with additional stories of the discovery, colonization, founding, and early years of the United States of America, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Summary by Kalynda)</p>

Volume III of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This third volume covers the discovery, colonization, founding, and early years of the countries of South America, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Summary by Kalynda)

5San Francisco Calamity by Earthquake and Fire

By Charles Morris

The first half of this book describes the devastating earthquake that hit San Francisco in 1906, and the subsequent destruction caused by fire. Various eyewitnesses and victims give their account on the tragedy.<br><br> In the second half, a number of different other earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are retold, like the eruption of the Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeij or the explosion of the Krakatoa, together with scientific explanations for the causes of earthquakes and the eruption of volcanos. (Summary by Availle)

LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of Inscription for an Old Bed by William Morris. This was the Weekly Poetry project for June 20th, 2010.

Volume IV of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This fourth volume covers the history of England from its conversion to Christianity up to the reign of Queen Victoria, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Introduction by Kalynda)

Volume V of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This fifth volume covers the history of Germany from its first contact with Rome up to the coronation of Emperor William, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Introduction by Kalynda)

9Well at the World's End, Book 1: The Road Unto Love

By William Morris

The Well at the World's End is thought to be one of the first examples of an entirely fictional fantasy world, and has greatly influenced later fantasy writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The book follows the travels of Ralph, a prince of a tiny country, as he disobeys his fathers wishes and runs away from home to adventure in the world, and seek out the fabled Well at World's End, said to grant eternal youth to those who drink from it. (Summary by BumbleVee)

10Echoes of Love’s House

By William Morris

LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of Echoes of Love’s House by William Morris. This was the Weekly Poetry project for January 9th, 2011.<br><br>William Morris was an English textile designer, artist, writer, and socialist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the English Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris wrote and published poetry, fiction, and translations of ancient and medieval texts throughout his life.<br><br>Today, Morris's poetry is little-read. His fantasy romances languished out of print for decades until their rediscovery amid the great fantasy revival of the late 1960s following the phenomenal success of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. But his textile and wallpaper designs remain a staple of the Arts and Crafts Revival of the turn of the 21st century, and the reproduction of Morris designs as fabric, wrapping paper, and craft kits of all sorts is testament to the enduring appeal of his work. The William Morris Societies in Britain, the US, and Canada are active in preserving Morris's work and ideas.

Volume VI of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This fifth volume covers the history of France from the Hun invasion of Europe in the 5th century up to the Prussian War, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Introduction by Kalynda)

12House of the Wolfings

By William Morris

William Morris was a writer, illustrator and medievalist from the Romantic period and associated with other renowned authors of the time such as Dante Rossetti. His fascination with ancient Germanic and Norse people dominated his writings, the first to be set in an entirely invented fantasy world and which helped to establish the fantasy genre.<br><br> The House of Wolfings (1890), some argue, is a demonstration of Morris' socialism as the society described, though not an utopia, is clan-based, elects leaders and makes decisions in clan tribal meetings. Notwithstanding, it tells the story of how Thiodolf and his clan - the Wolfings - fight and vanquish the Roman invaders. The book is built with Morris' knowledge of the historical period and his own idealistic views, which allow him to combine facts and mythical elements. Thiodolf is protected by a dwarfish coat of mail, given to him by his lover Wood Sun, herself one of the Vala, the immortals. But things are not what they seem and what is meant to protect him, is also a curse... (Summary by Sailormoon)

13Will Nobody Marry Me?

By George Pope Morris

LibriVox volunteers bring you 17 recordings of Will Nobody Marry Me? by George Pope Morris. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for July 3, 2011. <br><br>In addition to his publishing and editorial work, Morris was popular as a poet and songwriter; especially well-known was his poem-turned-song "Woodman, Spare that Tree!" His songs in particular were popular enough that Graham's Magazine in Philadelphia promised Morris $50, sight unseen, for any work he wanted to publish in the periodical. (summary from Wikipedia)

14News From Nowhere

By William Morris

News from Nowhere (1890) is a classic work combining utopian socialism and soft science fiction written by the artist, designer and socialist pioneer William Morris. In the book, the narrator, William Guest, falls asleep after returning from a meeting of the Socialist League and awakes to find himself in a future society based on common ownership and democratic control of the means of production. In this society there is no private property, no big cities, no authority, no monetary system, no divorce, no courts, no prisons, and no class systems. This agrarian society functions simply because the people find pleasure in nature, and therefore they find pleasure in their work. In the novel, Morris tackles one of the most common criticisms of socialism; the supposed lack of incentive to work in a communistic society. Morris' response is that all work should be creative and pleasurable. (Summary by Wikipedia)

15Signs of Change

By William Morris

In the 1880s William Morris, the artist and poet famously associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, left the Liberal Party and threw himself into the Socialist cause. He spoke all over the country, on street corners as well as in working men's clubs and lecture halls, and edited and wrote for the Socialist League's monthly newspaper. Signs of Change is a short collection of his talks and writings in this period, first published in 1888, covering such topics as what socialism and work should be, and how capitalism and waste developed. (Summary by Deborah Brabyn)

LibriVox volunteers bring you 16 recordings of Love is enough by William Morris. This was the Weekly Poetry project for February 17, 2013.<br><br>William Morris was an English textile designer, artist, writer, and libertarian socialist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and English Arts and Crafts Movement. He was instrumental in establishing the modern fantasy genre, and thus influenced writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien. Morris also wrote and published poetry, fiction, and translations of ancient and medieval texts.

17Old Rail Fence Corners

By Lucy Leavenworth Wilder Morris

Old Rail Fence Corners is an historical treasure trove containing the stories of the first significant waves of European-American settlers in the now state of Minnesota (United States of America). This book has direct accounts of mid-19th century lives and experiences on the frontier, recounted by the frontiersmen and women when many of them were in their mid-90s. A group of volunteer women -- the Book Committee -- sought to record these recollections before they were lost with the passing of these remarkable adventurers. Experience a wild, dangerous Minnesota full of mosquitoes, threatening wildlife, difficult roads, dirt floors, food scarcity, and Native American neighbors. Interactions with Native Americans are a major theme throughout the book; settlers relate their experiences in the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, their outsider accounts of interactions between Minnesota's Native American tribes, and the settlers' impressions of the Native American inhabitants with whom they share the land, which range from outright fear to acceptance to friendship and respect. Listen to the amazing stories of the Minnesota settlers as they come back to life through the voices of our talented readers! These are the stories of Minnesota's adventurous, resourceful, and brave pioneers that you won't soon forget. - Summary by Jill Engle

18Miniature

By George Pope Morris

George Pope Morris was an American editor, poet, and songwriter. In addition to his publishing and editorial work, Morris was popular as a poet and songwriter; especially well-known was his poem-turned-song "Woodman, Spare that Tree!" Lines from the poem are often quoted by environmentalists.

19Well at the World's End, Book 2: The Road Unto Trouble

By William Morris

In The Well at the World's End, Ralph of Upmeads, youngest son of the King of Upmeads, leaves home (where nothing exciting ever happens) without permission and sets out looking for adventure. When he hears rumors of a well that exudes water with magical properties, he is intrigued and begins his quest. Along the way, he travels through various towns and wildernesses and meets -- and is sometimes led astray by -- a host of interesting people including a mysterious knight, a beautiful woman who may be a goddess, a treacherous servant, a brave tavern wench, a barbarian warrior, a solitary sage, and a sadistic king. Book 2 continues this journey, - Summary by Kristingj <br><br> DPLs for this project include Vanessa Cooley, Kristin Gjerløw, Ryan Cowell and Linette Geisel.

20Welcome and Farewell

By George Pope Morris

George Pope Morris was an American editor, poet, and songwriter.<br /><br /> In addition to his publishing and editorial work, Morris was popular as a poet and songwriter; especially well-known was his poem-turned-song "Woodman, Spare that Tree!" His songs in particular were popular enough that Graham's Magazine in Philadelphia promised Morris $50, sight unseen, for any work he wanted to publish in the periodical. - Summary by Wikipedia

Volume VII of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This seventh volume covers the history of Spain from before the Moorish conquest to the loss of overseas territories at the end of the 19th century, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. - Summary by Kalynda

22Well at the World's End: Book 3: The Road to The Well at the World's End

By William Morris

In The Well at the World's End, Ralph of Upmeads, youngest son of the King of Upmeads, leaves home (where nothing exciting ever happens) without permission and sets out looking for adventure. When he hears rumors of a well that exudes water with magical properties, he is intrigued and begins his quest. Along the way, he travels through various towns and wildernesses and meets -- and is sometimes led astray by -- a host of interesting people including a mysterious knight, a beautiful woman who may be a goddess, a treacherous servant, a brave tavern wench, a barbarian warrior, a solitary sage, and a sadistic king. Book 3 continues this journey. ( kristingj)

23Song of the Sewing-Machine

By George Pope Morris

George Pope Morris was an American editor, poet, and songwriter. Critic and writer Edgar Allan Poe acknowledged the popularity of Morris's songs, "which have taken fast hold upon the popular taste, and which are deservedly celebrated". In April 1840, Poe wrote that Morris was "very decidedly, our best writer of songs—and, in saying this, I mean to assign him a high rank as poet". Willis wrote of Morris: "He is just what poets would be if they sang like birds without criticism... nothing can stop a song of his". (Wikipedia)

24Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems

By William Morris

This is a volume of early narrative poems by William Morris, first published in 1858. While at the time of writing the most important stages of William Morris' career are still ahead of him, his ideas are already reflected in many of the poems. Many of the poems share an exceedingly sombre tone, and were appreciated by the public only years after they were first published. - Summary by Carolin

In this early example of the modern high fantasy genre, Hallblithe, a warrior of the House of Raven, sets out in pursuit of the pirates who have kidnapped his troth-plight maiden, the Hostage. Kidnapped himself, Hallblithe sails to the Isle of Ransom in the company of the giant Puny Fox. Travelling onward to the Land of the Glittering Plain, he spurns the offer of eternal youth and the hand of the King's daughter to continue the search for his beloved. First published in 1890 in the English Illustrated Magazine, The Story of the Glittering Plain was re-published in 1973 as the first volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library. This recording is read from the gloriously printed 1891 Kelmscott Press edition, with illustrations by Walter Crane. (Phil Benson) - Summary by Phil Benson

These Russian tales span the time of Russia's founding in the 800s-900s all the way to the early twentieth century and are factually based, although particularly the older tales have become legendary. ( DrPGould)

27Woodman, Spare that Tree!

By George Pope Morris

George Pope Morris was an American editor, poet, and songwriter.<br /> In addition to his publishing and editorial work, Morris was popular as a poet and songwriter; especially well-known was his poem-turned-song "Woodman, Spare that Tree!"[10] His songs in particular were popular enough that Graham's Magazine in Philadelphia promised Morris $50, sight unseen, for any work he wanted to publish in the periodical. "Woodman, Spare that Tree!" was first published in the January 17, 1837, issue of the Mirror under the title "The Oak" and was that year set to music by Henry Russell before being reprinted under its more common title in 1853. - Summary by Wikipedia

William Morris initiated the genre of high fantasy in a number of short novels written toward the end of his life. But he had already experimented with the genre much earlier in stories written for the Oxford and Cambridge Magazine, which he launched as a student at Oxford University in 1856. Published posthumously in book form, and reprinted as the eighth volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library under the title Golden Wings and other Stories, these short stories make an entertaining collection that stands up well against Morris's mature work. - Summary by Phil Benson

29Well at the World's End: Book 4: The Road Home

By William Morris

In The Well at the World's End, Ralph of Upmeads, youngest son of the King of Upmeads, leaves home (where nothing exciting ever happens) without permission and sets out looking for adventure. When he hears rumors of a well that exudes water with magical properties, he is intrigued and begins his quest. Along the way, he travels through various towns and wildernesses and meets -- and is sometimes led astray by -- a host of interesting people including a mysterious knight, a beautiful woman who may be a goddess, a treacherous servant, a brave tavern wench, a barbarian warrior, a solitary sage, and a sadistic king. Book 4 finishes his adventure. - Summary by Kristingj

A prose romance set in the forested kingdom of Oakenrealm, where a squirrel can go about from end to end without touching the ground, in which Christopher wins the fair queen Goldilind, discovers his true identity and reclaims his birthright. In this tale of valour and romance, William Morris reimagined the medieval lay of Havelock the Dane. Child Christopher was originally published by Morris's Kelmscott Press and reprinted in the 1970s as the twelfth volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library. - Summary by Phil Benson

31Catharine de Bora; or, Social and Domestic Scenes in the Life of Luther

By John G. Morris

"There are many interesting and characteristic incidents in the domestic life of Luther which are not found in biographies of the great Reformer. The character of his wife has not been portrayed in full, and who does not wish to become better acquainted with a woman who mingled many a drop of balsam in those numerous cups of sorrow which her celebrated husband was compelled to drink? This little book is the result of extensive research, and exhibits facts attested by the most reliable authorities, many of which will be new to those of my readers who have not investigated this particular subject." from the Preface by John G. Morris, a noted Lutheran scholar from Baltimore, Maryland. These chapters start with a discussion of celibacy and marriage in the church, describe Lutheran's marriage to and life with Catharine de Bora, and her life after the reformers death, and accounts of their children. - Summary by Larry Wilson

32Chronicles of America Volume 06 - The Fathers of New England

By Charles Morris

This sixth installment in the series, as one would expect, deals with events in the northern settlements that were taking place at the same times as those in the southern. The opening passage explains: "The Pilgrims and Puritans, whose migration to the New World marks the beginning of permanent settlement in New England, were children of the same age as the enterprising and adventurous pioneers of England in Virginia, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It was the age in which the foundations of the British Empire were being laid in the Western Continent." - Summary by Charles M. Andrews <br><br> <b>Group:</b> <a href="https://librivox.org/group/609">Chronicles of America Series</a>

The Roots of the Mountains was the second in a projected series of three historical novels set in a pre-medieval Germanic world (the third was not completed). It follows the themes of House of the Wolfings, which was published in the same year, into a later generation. A loose alliance of Dalesmen, Woodlanders and Shepherds who have lived in peace around the valley of Burgdale for so long that they barely remember war, find their peace disturbed by the Sons of the Wolf and the invading Dusky Men. Morris’s exploration of the social and economic organization of this fictional pre-medieval world reflects his socialism; the figure of the Dusky Men (unable to breed with the Germanic tribes and slaughtered without compassion) reflects the racial politics of his times. Long neglected, Morris’s two Germanic novels were rediscovered when they were published as the sixteenth and nineteenth volumes in the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library. - Summary by Phil Benson

LibriVox volunteers bring you 17 recordings of Lines. After the Manner of the Olden Time by George Pope Morris.<br> This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for February 17, 2019. <br> ------<br> George Pope Morris was an American editor, poet, and songwriter. He was especially well-known was his poem-turned-song "Woodman, Spare that Tree! - Summary by Wikipedia

This work according to the subtitle is "a chronicle of American life in the reign of the Georges." It describes land, locales, houses, habits, diversions, learning, religion, labor, and travel.

36Man and His Ancestor: A Study in Evolution

By Charles Morris

An examination of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and subsequent texts, written for the general public at the turn of the twentieth century, "[...] to dwell on the various significant facts that have been discovered since Darwin's time, and to offer certain lines of evidence never before presented in this connection and which seem to add much strength to the general argument.[...]" (Preface) - Summary by Kathleen Nelson

37Jeffersonians, 1801-1829

By Richard B. Morris

In this short (58 page) work, Morris and Woodress present a selection of fascinating source materials to survey key events which occurred during the presidencies of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. As the authors state in their preface, "The early part of the last century was an exciting time to live in America. The signers of the Declaration of Independence and the framers of the Constitution, mostly old men by now, saw that their experiment in republican government had turned out to be a success. The nation was flourishing in these years like a healthy adolescent. There were growing pains, to be sure, but no one doubted now that the youngster would reach manhood. The question was: What is he going to be like?" - Summary by Ciufi Galeazzi

In this short book Edward Ellis Morris writes a vivid account of the reigns of the first two Georges. Scarcely had the fifty-four-year-old king assumed the throne when James Stuart roused the Highlanders in the "Fifteen." Five years later the collapse of the South Sea Company convulsed Britain and her first prime minister, Robert Walpole, emerged to stabilize the country's finances. George II succeeded his father in 1727 and Morris writes that "the new King was in person short, and like many short men, proud and touchy." Fortunately, he was guided by the wise Queen Caroline. On the Continent, the Turks besieged Vienna, Britain got embroiled first in the War of Jenkins' Ear and then in the War of the Austrian Succession, while Bonnie Prince Charlie took advantage of these distractions to mount the nearly successful Jacobite invasion of the "Forty-five." Meanwhile, John Wesley's Methodism revived religious enthusiasm, Boswell immortalized Samuel Johnson and his friends, and Tom Jones embarked on an epic road trip in which Henry Fielding brought English society to life, warts and all. - Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.

39Dismissed

By George Pope Morris

LibriVox volunteers bring you 9 recordings of The Dismissed by George Pope Morris .<br> This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for March 15, 2020. <br> ------<br> "I suppose she was right in rejecting my suit,<br> But why did she kick me down stairs?"<br> Halleck's "Discarded." (poem intro)

This short survey of the age of Queen Anne begins with the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the career of the Duke of Marlborough, leader of the allied armies against Louis XIV. Scotland joins England to form the United Kingdom. Peter the Great wrests control of the Gulf of Finland from Charles XII of Sweden and builds St. Petersburg. Despite the Jacobite threat, the Whigs secure the Protestant Succession and George I ascends the throne. Pope writes a mock epic in couplets, Addison's "Spectator" enlivens coffee houses and tea tables, and Defoe creates the immortal "Robinson Crusoe." (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

As well as being influential in the Arts and Crafts Movement and writing numerous poems and novels, William Morris was deeply involved in political reform. These poems, the earliest of which were first collected in 1885, reflect his socialist beliefs. (Summary by Newgatenovelist)

42If You Touch Them They Vanish

By Gouverneur Morris

"<i>No man who has not endured solitude in long doses knows how vivid, real, and necessary people and things of the imagination may become.</i>" (from the book).<br>The touching story of a wrongly convicted youth with a creative imagination. - Summary by Rapunzelina

43Thunder In The Garden

By William Morris

LibriVox volunteers bring you 9 recordings of Thunder In The Garden by William Morris.<br> This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for September 26, 2021. <br> ------<br> William Morris was a British textile designer, poet, artist, novelist, translator and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he helped win acceptance of socialism in fin de siècle Great Britain. Morris is recognized as one of the most significant cultural figures of Victorian Britain. He was best known in his lifetime as a poet, although he posthumously became better known for his designs. - Summary by Wikipedia

44Main-Truck; Or, A Leap for Life

By George Pope Morris

LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of The Main-Truck; Or, A Leap for Life by George P. Morris.<br> This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for March 27, 2022. <br> ------<br> A Nautical Ballad.[Founded upon a well-known tale from the pen of the late William Leggett, Esq.] - Summary from The Poem's Introduction

LibriVox volunteers bring you 16 recordings of "Summer Dawn" by William Morris.<br> This was the Weekly Poetry project for July 10, 2022. <br> ------<br> When this poem was first published in 1856 it had no title. Subsequently, the 1858 edition gave the sonnet its title of "Summer Dawn." And it is a sonnet, though it does not follow traditional English or Italian models. Perhaps Morris was giving hint of the Provençal 'alba.' These poems in their early form were conversations between two lovers. The requirement is that each stanza end with the word 'alba' [dawn]. Morris ends lines five and eleven this way. - Summary by KevinS

Examines the Christian influence on early Civil Institutions of the United States, along with the role spirituality had among early settlers. Additionally, there is an examination of legislation, courts, and judges in early America. (Summary by progressingamerica)