If you enjoy reading books by William Morris then you might also like the following authors:
Edward Plunkett, known as Lord Dunsany, wrote imaginative fiction full of beautiful, dreamlike worlds and poetic language.
Readers who admire William Morris' fascination with legends and richly detailed settings might enjoy Dunsany’s story collection, The King of Elfland's Daughter. It evokes a fairy-tale world with lyrical prose and a deep sense of enchantment.
J.R.R. Tolkien is famous for creating deeply detailed fantasy worlds that resonate with timeless myths. Like William Morris, Tolkien drew inspiration from older legends and medieval narratives, building rich histories and languages for his fantastical places.
His most celebrated work, The Lord of the Rings, blends adventure, heroism, and profound themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
E.R. Eddison crafted elaborate fantasy stories steeped in heroic adventure, complex characters, and poetic dialogue. His writing shares William Morris' poetic style and a passion for themes from mythology and classic tales.
Readers might appreciate The Worm Ouroboros, which follows intense rivalries, grand quests, and a richly imagined fantasy realm.
Hope Mirrlees created imaginative and poetic fantasy worlds influenced by myths and legends, similar to William Morris but with her own unique voice.
Her novel Lud-in-the-Mist portrays an enchanting but mysterious land, exploring themes of wonder, fear, and society’s complicated relationship with the magical and the unknown.
George MacDonald, an influential fantasy writer, blended spiritual and moral themes with imaginative storytelling. Like William Morris, MacDonald's stories have a timeless quality, using folk tales and fairy-tale elements to explore deeper truths.
Phantastes, one of his best-known works, follows a young man’s magical journey through an allegorical and mystical fantasy landscape.
Ursula K. Le Guin creates thoughtful fantasy worlds with rich complexity and deeply human themes. Her stories blend lyrical prose, insightful exploration of cultures, and compelling moral and social commentary.
Fans of William Morris will appreciate her novel, A Wizard of Earthsea, a coming-of-age tale filled with magic, self-discovery, and powerful storytelling.
Patricia A. McKillip writes elegant tales filled with poetic prose and captivating imagery. Her stories often explore deep themes of identity, destiny, and the interplay between magic and reality.
If you enjoy William Morris's lyrical style, you'll find beauty and mystery in McKillip's novel, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, a magical story about a woman's quest to balance love, power, and self-awareness.
Kenneth Morris crafts imaginative tales that combine myth, adventure, and spiritual exploration. His style captures the essence of ancient legends and wisdom traditions, making for thoughtful reading.
In The Book of the Three Dragons, Kenneth Morris reinterprets the legendary stories of Wales, weaving them into a mythical narrative full of wonder and symbolic depth—perfect for William Morris fans.
Poul Anderson is best known for detailed world-building and imaginative storytelling that bridges fantasy and historical realism. His narratives deeply explore myth, legend, heroism, and the struggle between good and evil.
If you enjoy William Morris's blend of legend and fantasy, you'll likely admire Anderson's The Broken Sword, a powerful saga of tragic fate, magic, and mythological conflict.
C.S. Lewis is beloved for fantasy stories filled with symbolic depth, moral insight, and richly imagined lands that capture readers' imaginations. His style weaves thoughtful storytelling with allegory and moral exploration, reminiscent of William Morris's own approach.
Till We Have Faces, Lewis's retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, is a vivid, emotional novel that explores love, faith, and self-awareness in fresh and thoughtful ways.
Evangeline Walton is known for her vivid retellings of Welsh mythology. Her writing has a rich, detailed style that captures the depth and imagination readers find appealing in William Morris.
In The Island of the Mighty, Walton brings ancient legends to life with drama and warmth, focusing on mythic heroes, destiny, and the mythic past.
Joy Chant writes thoughtful fantasy worlds filled with myth and adventure, blending folklore and magic, much as Morris did. Her novel, Red Moon and Black Mountain, weaves close bonds between her characters and the ancient myths that shape their world.
Themes of heroism, destiny, and the significance of legend appear throughout her storytelling.
Diana Wynne Jones creates stories that mix humor, magic, and the complexities of human relationships. Her playful, often satirical style differs from Morris's formal approach, but readers will appreciate her similar fascination with enchanted worlds.
Howl's Moving Castle is a great example, combining imaginative fantasy, quirky characters, and unexpected turns.
Susanna Clarke captures elegance and charm with prose inspired by the traditions of earlier writers like Morris. She skillfully blends actual history and fairy tradition to create believable worlds filled with enchantment.
In her novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, readers will enjoy an alternative historical England enriched with magic, manners, and intricate detail.
Mervyn Peake creates striking, imaginative prose that richly describes places, people, and atmosphere. His work evokes a sense of wonder and mystery similar to Morris's detailed storytelling.
In Titus Groan, Peake introduces readers to the strange, labyrinthine world of Gormenghast, filled with memorable characters, gothic grandeur, and intricate storytelling.