Historically Influenced Type

This type sample is from the cover of the Spring 2008 issue of The Idler. I got this when it came out because I'm a subscriber. The font is based on the type designs by William Morris and his Kelmscott Press. I had never heard of William Morris prior to getting this issue, and the reproduced designs inside and on the cover are very inspiring. My understanding is that William Morris was interested in the craftmanship that existed before the industrial age, and his love of nature is clear from the patterns reproduced in the margins. His typefaces remind me of illuminated manuscripts and carefully written books scribed by monks.