The books issued by the Kelmscott Press, established in the London district of Hammersmith in 1891, were products of a new style: the Arts and Crafts Movement. The aesthetic programme set by William Morris, the founder of the press, was to make the entire living environment into a gesamtkunstwerk. With this in mind, Morris designed his own types for these books, Golden and Troy. Woodcuts in a medieval style served as illustrations, while the specially watermarked paper and covers were handmade. These were the first works of a new book art movement.

As early as 1861, Morris ran workshops which not only produced artistically designed objects for everyday use, but also put socialist ideals into practice. Morris’ private life was also influenced by his aesthetic tastes, and he created an ideal living environment for himself – from the architecture of his house to the patterned fabrics he used. He also remained true to his aesthetic ideals when he married Jane Burden, a celebrated beauty.