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Lewis Carroll wrote the first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, and since then the book has never been out of print, and has been translated into over 100 languages. The story goes that Carroll was inspired to write his well-loved children’s book after a day spent with the three children of his friend Henry Liddell, one of whom would give her name to the eponymous heroine. The book has become one of the best loved children’s novels of all time, instantly recognisable by its unique style, nonsensical plot, wordplay, and use of logic. Our collection features a variety of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland first editions and limited editions from throughout its rich history as one of the most beloved Victorian children’s novels.
Alice in Wonderland First Editions, Limited Editions and Illustrated Books
Alice in Wonderland’s first edition was illustrated by John Tenniel, whose drawings have solidified many readers’ impression of the world of Wonderland and character of Alice herself. Carol’s rich description, and the vivid nature of Wonderland lends itself well to illustration, and many of the first editions in the collection are illustrated versions of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Of these Alice in Wonderland editions, one such copy is a vintage, highly unique version of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. One such example is a first edition from 2004, illustrated by the famous children’s book artist Michael Foreman in colour. In addition to this, there is a 1972 limited edition illustrated book featuring black and white drawings in an abstract style by Ralph Steadman, for which he won the Francis Williams Book Illustration Award. Among contemporary Alice in Wonderland illustrations is a signed copy with drawings by Tony Ross, another famous children’s illustrator. This version of Through The Looking Glass is more suitable for children, abridged and with vibrant, colourful illustrations. Each version takes a unique approach to the well known world of Wonderland and the iconic characters, tackling the surreal landscape and plot in a way which makes a story that we all know into a highly collectable Alice in Wonderland book.
As well as the illustrated versions, the collection also features a number of beautifully crafted Alice in Wonderland editions for collectors. There are first edition versions of both Alice books, as well as a copy which includes Lewis’s nonsense poem The Hunting of the Snark. There are also several very unique editions of Alice in Wonderland, such as a limited edition signed copy published by Tern Press, which has a beautiful patterned cloth cover, and would make a lovely addition to any collection. One of the most remarkable books in the collection of the Inky Parrot Press edition of Through the Looking Glass, signed by illustrator Angel Dominguez, which is one of one 52 special copies printed and has been produced to a very high standard.
In addition to the copies of Alice in Wonderland books and first editions, we also have rare versions of non-fiction books surrounding the creation of Alice, such as books about the life of Alice Liddell, on whom the character of Alice is thought to have been based. Furthermore, there are also forest editions which feature the art of Alice in Wonderland, collecting together the work of artists throughout the book’s life and their different visions of and modes of drawing the wonderfully strange world of Lewis Carroll’s novels. One of these versions of Illustrating Alice is a signed special version, which is one of only 68 copies made.
