The Earthly Paradise. A Poem. Part 1

The son of an Essex businessman, Morris initially dreamed of entering the church, but became disgusted upon reading the social criticism of Carlysle and Ruskin. Turning to art, Morris started a staining glass company in the 1860s, and later moved into print with his successful Kelmsford Press Co. Not content to only print the works of others, Morris became a popular writer and activist as well. When not preparing his popular classical and Icelandic translations, Morris worked ardently a propagandist for the socialist cause.