Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with Forty-two Illustrations by John Tenniel [Alice in Wonderland]

Chicago: Belford Clarke Co., 1890. 1890 at title page; no other indications. Large 7 1/2" x 9 3/4" design. Smooth wrap-around pictorial boards, some corner, edge wear, spine chip. Classic late nineteenth century cover design features rich subdued hues of gold, red, green and blue, Alice lounging with open book and looking into distance where the magical creatures and characters of Wonderland wrap around to back cover with fogged silhouette of London in b.g. Pages generally very good with moderate toning; few w/moderate discoloration. Stylish antiquarian inscription pencilled at front endpaper: "To, Nellie Grace Elizabeth Scott, from her big brother, Garrie B. Scott". Bind good; front hinge starting. This edition is charmingly illustrated by John Tenniel with enchanting imagery woven into the wondrous tale. Forty-two designs enchant the viewer throughout. Sir John Tenniel was an English illustrator, humorist and political cartoonist prominent in the second half of the nineteenth century and knighted in 1893. He was principal political cartoonist for Punch magazine for over half a century and well known for his influential imagery. He largely adapted from Lewis Carroll's own personal designs for this book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and also the following Alice books. His dynamic cheeky illustrations are exemplified in this volume and portray the extent of his talent. Lewis Carroll's classic begins on a boring summer afternoon when the bright and inquisitive Alice follows a white rabbit down a rabbit-hole. At the bottom, she finds herself immersed in a bizarre world full of strange creatures and bizarre goings-on. She tries pills and potions, and attends a very strange tea party and croquet match. An immensely witty mix of satire, puzzles, and drama and one of literature's most astute depictions of the experience of childhood. 168 pages. Insured post.. First Edition Thus. Hard Cover. Good. Illus. by Tenniel, John . 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.