The Sundering Flood. Written by William Morris.

The Kelmscott Press, Upper Mall, Hammersmith, 1898.

One of 300 copies on paper, of a total edition of 310 (10 on vellum). 21.1 x 14.7 x 5.2 cm; pp. [8] + 508. Chaucer type on Batchelor hand-made paper with (the second version of) the Primrose watermark. Line-block map (by H. Cribb), full-page woodcut border, half and three-quarter woodcut borders, and numerous woodcut initials; chapter titles and shoulder-notes in red. Original holland-backed blue paper boards, title printed on the front cover and on the paper spin label,a litle wear to spine and hinges but a sound tight copy.

This was on of Morris’s favourite fantasies. Osberne Wulfgrimsson and Elfhild are lovers who live on opposite sides of the Sundering Flood, an immense river. When Elfhild disappears during an invasion by the Red Skinners, the heartbroken Osberne takes up his magical sword Boardcleaver and joins the army of Sir Godrick of Longshaw, in whose service he helps dethrone the tyrannical king and plutocracy of merchants ruling the city at the mouth of the river. Afterwards he locates Elfhild, who had fled with a relative, a wise woman skilled in the magical arts, and taken refuge in the Wood Masterless. Elfhild tells Osberne of their adventures en route to safety. Afterwards they return together to Wethrmel, Osberne’s home, and all ends happily.

Peterson A51.