Books

The First UK printing of this illustrated edition published by Cassell and Company, Ltd, London in 1907. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. 179 pages, b/w plates and text illustrations, 8 colour plates. Top edge gilt. All of the pages and colour plates are present Light wear at the top and bottom of the spine, with mild rubbing at the corners and edges. The gilt decoration to the front cover and spine remains very bright. Free from bookplates and inscriptions. Some spotting and age related marking to the prelims, text block and page edges due to the quality of the paper stock used. The plates remain clean and vibrant. Wonderfully illustrated throughout by Charles Robinson. The book is protected in a removable Mylar archival cover. An extremely elusive title to find as the first issue and complete. The reprints of this work (from 1913 onwards) were issued in a much smaller format. Collectible. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

"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.