The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems (1904) by William Morris. Illustrated by Jessie M. King

The 1904 edition of The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems by William Morris, illustrated by Jessie M. King, is a striking fusion of Pre-Raphaelite verse and early 20th-century Art Nouveau design. Published by John Lane the Bodley Head, London, this edition showcases King’s unique illustrative vision paired with Morris’s evocative and often medieval-inspired poetry.

First published in 1858, The Defence of Guenevere was Morris’s first volume of poetry and is notable for its bold stylistic experimentation, vivid emotional intensity, and romantic medievalism. The titular poem imagines a dramatic monologue from Queen Guenevere as she defends her honor and love for Lancelot, reflecting Morris’s deep engagement with Arthurian legend. The collection also includes a variety of ballads and narrative poems, many set in imagined medieval settings, exploring themes of chivalry, passion, fate, and mortality.

About Jessie Marion King:

Jessie M. King (1875–1949) was a Scottish illustrator, designer, and author closely associated with the Glasgow Style—a variation of Art Nouveau. Educated at the Glasgow School of Art, she developed a highly recognizable style featuring elongated forms, decorative line work, and mystical, fairy-tale-like motifs. Her black-and-white illustrations for The Defence of Guenevere are elegant and intricate, often incorporating elaborate borders and symbolic elements that echo Morris’s themes of idealism and tragedy. King’s work here is not merely decorative; it interacts deeply with the tone and rhythm of the poetry, enhancing the book’s emotional resonance.

This edition is highly prized by collectors of fine illustrated books and fans of both the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. The synergy between Morris’s romantic medievalism and King’s stylized illustration creates a timeless object of literary and artistic beauty.

Recommended for collectors:

• The High History of the Holy Graal (1903), illustrated by Jessie M. King – A richly illustrated Arthurian romance with King’s signature style.
• A House of Pomegranates (1914), by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Jessie M. King – An ornate edition of Wilde’s fairy tales featuring King’s ethereal designs.
• Goblin Market (1933), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A poetic fantasy with atmospheric illustrations and emotional intensity akin to Morris’s themes.

Other Jessie M. King illustrated works available in our gallery: The Mummy’s Bedtime Story Book, A House of Pomegranates, The High History of the Holy Graal, Seven Happy Days, Poems of Spenser, Habitation Forcee.

Art Gallery: Jessie M. King – The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems 1904