Books

West Hatfield, Massachusetts: Printed by Harold McGrath at Pennyroyal Press, 1982. Hardcover. Near fine. Issued separately, each folio volume is limited to 350 numbered copies signed by the illustrator and accompanied by an additional suite of wood engravings, with each print signed by Barry Moser, in a linen-covered chemise. A matching set, both volumes in this pairing are number 270. Printed in five colors on a paper specially made for the Press by Strathmore Mills, with calligraphy by G.G. Laurens. The type is Bembo, in blue, black, and red. Bound by Gray Parrot in quarter purple morocco and crimson morocco, respectively, over marbled paper-covered boards. Each is housed with the chemise of prints in its own morocco-backed linen clamshell box, which are a little discolored along the extremities (as usual). Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, were the first two in a series of four folio editions of classic texts printed at the Pennyroyal…

"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.