This collection of William Morris's early writings includes both prose and poetry reflecting his diverse interests and influences. The poems demonstrate his love of nature and medieval themes, with romantic lyrics and narrative ballads set in medieval or pastoral landscapes. His prose shows the impact of John Ruskin's ideas about art, society and nature. Morris argues for truthful decoration in design, condemns industrial capitalism's ugliness, and promotes socialism and human cooperation. Overall the works reveal Morris as a poet, designer and thinker seeking to unite art, nature and society through his promotion of arts and crafts and critique of industrialism's effects on 19th century life.