Title: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass
Author: Lewis Carroll
First published December 27, 1871
239 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451527745 (ISBN10: 0451527747)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
“Curiouser and curiouser,” Alice exclaimed as she stumbled upon a talking rabbit with a pocket watch. She had no idea that following it would lead her to a world of absolute wonder and madness.
In this captivating book, you’ll experience Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass in their entirety, complete with handy notes and Martina Pelouso’s stunning illustrations. Get ready to join Alice on her bizarre journey through a topsy-turvy world where nothing is quite what it seems.”
About the Author
Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was a man of many talents. Not only was he an English author, but he was also a mathematician, logician, Anglican clergyman, and photographer.
His most well-known works include Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, as well as the poems “The Hunting of the Snark” and “Jabberwocky” – all of which are considered literary nonsense.
Carroll was an Oxford scholar, Church of England Deacon, and University Lecturer in Mathematics and Logic. He was known for his academic authorship of learned theses and pioneering work in portrait photography.
Despite his colorful imagination and gifted writing abilities, Carroll was a shy and pedantic man. Nevertheless, he remains a pre-eminent figure in the pantheon of literary geniuses.
In addition to his pen name, Carroll also had works published under his real name.
Editoral Review
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are two timeless classics that have captivated readers of all ages for over a century. The novels were first published in 1865 and 1871, respectively, and have since become some of the most beloved works of children’s literature.
Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer, mathematician, and photographer, and his stories of Alice have become cultural touchstones, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations.
The books are written in a whimsical style that blends fantasy, humor, and satire. The stories are filled with absurd situations, nonsensical characters, and clever wordplay that have become hallmarks of Carroll’s writing.
The themes of the books revolve around identity, growing up, and the power of imagination. The novels are set in a dreamlike world that is full of wonder and danger, where anything can happen and often does.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland follows the adventures of a young girl named Alice, who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a strange and magical world. She meets a cast of bizarre characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, and has to navigate her way through a series of obstacles and challenges to find her way back home.
Through the Looking-Glass continues Alice’s adventures as she steps through a mirror and enters a world where everything is reversed. She meets new characters, such as the Jabberwocky and the White Knight, and has to use her wits and courage to overcome the obstacles in her path.
Carroll’s books are not just entertaining stories for children, they also have significant historical and cultural significance. The novels were written during the Victorian era, a time of great social and economic change in England.
Carroll uses his stories to comment on the society of his time and to satirize the conventions and expectations of Victorian life.
The books have also been interpreted as allegories for various political and philosophical movements, such as feminism, psychoanalysis, and existentialism. The stories have been adapted into countless films, plays, and other media, and continue to inspire new generations of artists and writers.
In terms of critical analysis, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are masterpieces of children’s literature. Carroll’s writing is witty, imaginative, and engaging, and his characters are unforgettable.
The books are structurally sound, with well-paced plots that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
However, some critics have pointed out that the books can be difficult to follow at times, with their nonsensical language and arbitrary rules. The characters can also be one-dimensional and stereotypical, with little depth or development.
Overall, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass are must-reads for anyone who loves children’s literature or is interested in the history of English literature. They are timeless classics that continue to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
Rating: 4.5/5
While the books may have some flaws, their strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. They are essential reading for anyone who loves imaginative storytelling, and their themes of identity and imagination are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
