Books

New York: Maecenas Press, 1969. First edition. Fine/Fine. Limited edition of 2500 copies, signed on the title page by Dali, this being number 1638. Folio measuring 430 x 285mm, with Mandeure paper pages loose as issued and housed in the publisher's quarter leather clamshell case. A Fine set in Fine clamshell. Complete with the original leather straps and horn clasps intact. Complete, with the original etched frontis and all 12 original color illustrations present. This set basically as new, with the original paper wrapper, shipping box, styrofoam inserts, etc. (all with matching limitation numbers). Based on the beloved fantasy by Lewis Carroll, Salvador Dali's rendition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland exceed surrealist expectations. As the reader travels through Dali's Wonderland, they are treated to a brilliantly coloured illustration, giving insight into how the painter experienced Carroll's story. An unforgettable adaptation. Fine in Fine dust jacket.

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" follows the escapades of a curious young girl named Alice, who, while bored on a riverbank, spots a white rabbit in a waistcoat. She follows it down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a whimsical world. Throughout her journey, Alice encounters peculiar characters like the hookah-smoking Caterpillar, the grinning Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter hosting a nonsensical tea party. She experiences a series of transformations, shrinking and growing, as she navigates through the bizarre landscapes and meets creatures like the March Hare and the Dormouse. The Queen of Hearts, with her penchant for ordering beheadings, adds a touch of absurdity to the already surreal environment. Alice grapples with the nonsensical rules of Wonderland, engaging in peculiar conversations that highlight the absurd logic of this fantastical realm. As she tries to find her way home, she faces challenges, solves riddles, and discovers that the reality of Wonderland often defies logic. Ultimately, Alice's adventures culminate in her realizing that the world she encountered was a dream. She wakes up on the riverbank, pondering the strange and wonderful events she experienced in Wonderland, leaving readers with a blend of imagination, whimsy, and thought-provoking absurdity. Carroll's tale remains a classic exploration of childhood, curiosity, and the unpredictable nature of dreams.

The true first editions can be identified by the binding, which is red cloth with a gilt stamped illustration on the cover and spine, gilt edges, and the date 1865 on the title page. Additionally, certain textual misprints or specific illustrations by John Tenniel can also indicate a first edition. In 1866, a USA version (First edition, second issue) was printed by D. APPLETON & CO, 445, BROADWAY which was made up using the actual sheets from the true first edition. This is known as the Appleton Alice version. An un-restored version is extremely rare.