Books

Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982. First Trade Edition. Hardcover. Near fine/near fine. Two-Volume Set. Tall quarto. 9 x 13.75 in. 150; 167 + [5] pp. Fully illustrated with black & white reproductions of artworks by Barry Moser, illustrated endpapers. Volume I: Near fine in original red quarter-cloth over lavender boards, lettering on spine in purple, mild sunning to top and especially bottom of boards, light spotting to fore- and bottom edge; near fine pictorial dust jacket. Volume II: Near fine in original blue quarter-cloth over light blue boards, lettering on spine in blue, subtle sunning to top and bottom of boards, light spotting to fore- and bottom edge. Near fine pictorial dust jacket. Overall, both volumes square, clean and bright. Both copies inscribed affectionately by Moser to NC artist George Cress. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is inscribed on the title page, "for my dear friend George Cress"; Through the Looking Glass, and what Alice Found There is…

"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.