Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Original 1865 Edition
This Wisehouse Classics edition presents Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as it was first published in 1865, featuring the complete original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel. Written by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, this novel has remained continuously in print since its initial publication.
Complete John Tenniel Illustrations
Sir John Tenniel's illustrations have become inseparable from Carroll's text. This edition includes all of the original artwork that accompanied the first publication, preserving the visual experience that captivated Victorian readers and continues to define how generations visualize Wonderland's peculiar inhabitants.
Literary Significance
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as children. It is considered one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre.
The narrative course and structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in both popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre. The book has been translated into at least 174 languages, with over a hundred English-language editions published.
Publication History
The first print run of 2,000 copies was held back because Tenniel objected to the print quality. A new edition was quickly printed and released in December 1865, carrying an 1866 date. The entire print run sold out quickly, making Alice a publishing sensation beloved by children and adults alike.
Among its first avid readers were Queen Victoria and the young Oscar Wilde. The book has inspired countless adaptations in theatre, film, and other media, cementing its place as a cornerstone of English literature.
Wisehouse Classics Edition
This collectible edition preserves the original 1865 text with all of Sir John Tenniel's illustrations intact, making it an essential addition for book collectors, students of Victorian literature, and readers who appreciate classic children's literature in its authentic form.
