Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [with] Through the Looking Glass.

First published editions of the first two alice books. The catalyst for the writing of the 'Alice' stories stems from a picnic with the Liddell children, including Dodgson's muse, Alice Liddell, who was so taken with stories that she asked him to write them down for her, which he duly did under the title of Alice's Adventures Underground, with his own illustrations and not originally intended for early publication. However, when it was revised for publication, Dodgson cut out the more particular references to the picnic and added stories told to the Liddells at other times, as well as changing the title to; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The first printed edition, a small number of pre-publication copies, was quickly withdrawn due to Tenniel's objection to the printing quality of his illustrations and only about 23 copies survive (the remaining sheets were sold to Appleton in New York for their edition published the following year); the reprinted edition was ready for publication by Christmas 1865 although dated 1866. The sequel, Through The Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, followed a few years later (dated 1872 but actually published in December 1871); this collection of further stories of Alice was considered as good if not better than its predecessor.

By the time a facsimile of the M.S. given to Alice Liddell (Alice's Adventures Under Ground) was published in 1886, the stories were highly acclaimed and widely read therefore readers were keen to see how this phenomenon had evolved from the author's manuscript handed to a little girl called Alice.

It is therefore rare to have both first published editions of the first two titles here, in such relatively good condition.

First editions, first impressions; 8vo (185 x 130 mm); Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, second (first published) edition, first issue, with inverted 's' in last line of Contents page; frontispiece and 41 illustrations by John Tenniel, mild age-toning, some very light and random spotting, professionally closed tear to p. 103, otherwise internally very good-plus; Through the Looking Glass, and what Alice Found There, first edition, first issue, with 'wade' for 'wabe' on page 21, third line from bottom; tissue-guarded frontispiece and 50 illustrations by John Tenniel, general toning, occasional spotting, more evident to preliminary leaves, otherwise very good; both vols. bound in early 20th century full red morocco by Riviere & Son, double gilt panelled all edges gilt, blue endpapers, original cloth covers and spines bound in the rear of each vol., slight rubbing and age toning, spines darkened, slight spitting and small chips to inner hinge of endpapers to first title but firm, in all very handsome and robust.

Bibliogrpahy: Williams, Madan, and Green 42, 84, 194.