If you follow this blog regularly you might have been thinking ‘when will she do Alice?’

My edition is a facsimile of one printed by The Bodley Head in 1907, illustrated by WH Walker. Not a very well known illustrator, and not the ‘famous’ Alice illustrator, John Tenniel. Charming nonetheless.

I like the wood engravings best.

ALICE FOUND HERSELF FALLING DOWN WHAT SEEMED TO BE A VERY DEEP WELL

“COME BACK!” SIR CATERPILLAR CALLED AFTER HER. “I HAVE SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO SAY!”

I think the most interesting thing I can say about Alice book illustrators is how many there have been. Initially Carroll himself illustrated his story, but didn’t believe in his ability so drafted in Tenniel. Apart from an American pirate copy, no other illustrators got a look in until 1907, after Carroll’s death and the copyright had run out. Then multiple editions sprang up (including the original of mine), featuring work from loads of artists, from Arthur Rackham to Mabel Lucie Atwell.

“I WANT A CLEAN CUP”, INTERRUPTED THE HATTER; “LET’S ALL MOVE ONE PLACE ON”.

THE PLAYERS ALL PLAYED AT ONCE, NOT WAITING FOR TURNS, QUARRELLING ALL THE WHILE

SHE WAS EXACTLY THE RIGHT HEIGHT TO REST HER CHIN ON ALICE’S SHOULDER

I’m not alone, but Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my most favourite stories. So rich in fantasy and nonsense, a gift for illustrators. As a little girl there’s always this prize at the end where you think maybe it was all a dream, and if so, you can also visit this place whenever you like too.

ALICE BEGAN TELLING HER ADVENTURES

Love this plate of the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle.