656 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
IV. 1880-1896. The great name which falls in this period is that of William Morris. A disciple of Ruskin, he developed the philosophy of his master into genuine socialism. As manu- facturer of the most beautiful fabrics, designer of unsurpassed patterns, printer of the handsomest books, original and edify- ing lecturer, vigorous and fearless agitator, even as uncrowned poet laureate, he contributed to socialism. He is doubtless (not forgetting Marx) the greatest man who has advocated the cause of socialism. It may further be said that his has been the most elevating influence, his teachings, while idealistic, often the most profoundly practical, his life the greatest benediction enjoyed in the socialist movement. It would be hard to find a more pithy and pregnant statement of socialistic idealism than this : " First, a healthy body ; second, an active mind in sym- pathy with the past, the present, and the future ; thirdly, occu- pation fit for a healthy body and an active mind ; and, fourthly, a beautiful world to live in." 1
Mention has already been made of the influence of the for- eigners, Karl Marx and Henry George, to whom must be added Frederick Engels in this period. As their contributions to English socialism have only become effective after adaptation by Englishmen to English conditions, nothing more need be said. 3
The Fabian Society, the most unique and progressive of socialist organizations, enjoys the position almost of an individ- ual of strong personality. The members have in fact had all the
1 References. MORRIS, Signs of Change, London, 1888; Hopes and Fears for Art, London; Art and Socialism; Hammersmith's Socialist Society's Tract : News from Nowhere, New York; The Dream of John Ball, New York. VALLANCE, The Art of William Morris (only an edition de luxe, London, 1897). TRIGGS, O. L., articles in Folk-Lore. ZUEBLIN, R. F., " William Morris, a Poet's Workshop," The Otitlook, October 31, 1896. ASHBEE, Workshop Reconstruction and Citizenship, Boston, 1895. HORNE, H. P., "William Morris," Saturday Review, Christmas, 1896.
2 References. MARX, Capital, translation by Engels and Aveling, 1883. ENGELS, The Condition of the Working Classes in 1844, Soc. Sci. Ser. Socialism, Utopian and Scientific, Soc. Sci. Ser. GEORGE, Progress and Poverty. WALLACE, A. R., Land Nationalization, Soc. Sci. Ser. HYNDMAN, The Historical Basis of Socialism. AVELING, The Student's Marx, Soc. Sci. Ser.
