The Life and Death of Jason: A Poem. Author's Edition

by William Morris

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Poetry

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1867

About the author

William Morris was an English architect, furniture and textile designer, artist, writer, socialist and Marxist 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. His best-known works include The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems (1858), The Earthly Paradise (1868–1870), A Dream of John Ball and the utopian News from Nowhere. He was an important figure in the emergence of socialism in Britain, founding the Socialist League in 1884, but breaking with the movement over goals and methods by the end of that decade. He devoted much of the rest of his life to the Kelmscott Press, which he founded in 1891. The 1896 Kelmscott edition of the Works of Geoffrey Chaucer is considered a masterpiece of book design.

Reviews

[Anisha Inkspill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful retelling of Jason of the Argonauts in epic poetry, first published in 1867. This has drama, danger, adventure, romance, passion, betrayal, supernatural and murder. It’s a riveting read, where it’s easy to sympathise with both Medea and Jason who love each other deeply; when their relationship falls apart it is truly, truly tragic.

The poem starts before Jason is born, where he is left in Chiron’s care to keep him safe. Later, when grown up and ready to take the throne that belongs to him, Jason’s uncle Pelias sets him on a quest – to fetch the Golden Fleece – where he meets Medea, and with her help becomes the hero whose story will forever be told.

This poem of 17 books is not just a love story, alongside it there are adventures and fight scenes in cinematic tones that are so vivid that I felt the dangers and the suspense.

I know William Morris as an artist, this is the first work I have read by him, but after this I will be looking out for more of his books.

[Katharine Wibell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this retelling of Jason and the Argonauts. Written in the old epic style of poetry, this whimsical tale follows the mythological hero, Jason, and his famed crew as they journey for the golden fleece. Though it branches away from the original myth in some areas, it was still very entertaining.

[Jericho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly read as a curiosity of how Jason’s been adapted historically. Definitely scrubs the parts of his mythos that I find most interesting (namely how much he has to rely on others and his relationship to Medea). My guess is that Morris was more interested in mirroring English epic texts where the hero goes out gloriously rather than really exploring how later myths paint Jason as an embittered oath breaker and tragic figure. Still, interesting enough I suppose.

[Ritesh Ranjan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice