On this day
It would not be right to ignore that this is a special day for the United States, and so this post begins with warm greetings to our American friends. With all its (occasional) faults, the United States has been a home of democracy, tolerance, energy and innovation, and our fate is always closely bound up with theirs. Right now they have an administration which has generated optimism at home and a new spirit of partnership in the world. We are in difficult times, and this partnership matters more than ever. So I wish my American friends a very happy Independence Day.
There is however another anniversary on this date that I want to mention today. Exactly 135 years ago today the mathematician and clergyman Charles Dodgson took three young girls on a boating trip on the River Isis at Oxford, and in the course of the day told them the story which was to be published as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I am always amazed at the number of people I meet who have a good knowledge of the story in general terms, know many of the characters that appear in it and even some of the verse, but who have never actually read the book. Some have seen film or animated versions, and while some of these are not at all bad they are no substitute for the original; indeed the rather well known animated Disney version (though rather good in its own way) strays quite far from the book.
I have always felt that Alice is a must-read for academics, not least because behind the familiar story there is an interesting analysis of logic, examined through the prism of nonsense – logic and nonsense being, of course, closely related. The book also illustrates both the essential and the appallingly dangerous nature of open inquiry.
In fact, I am going to take the book out again today and re-read it.
Tags: 4th July, Alice in Wonderland, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Charles Dodgson, Independence Day, Lewis Carroll
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July 4, 2009 at 6:27 am
You should read The Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius (Asinus aureus) at the same time.
July 4, 2009 at 9:00 am
I think John Tenniel should also get significant credit for the original illustrations, as they were very important to my enjoyment of Carroll’s books as a child. They’re quite remarkable drawings.
But (just to be controversial!), I would also argue that Alice Through the Looking-Glass is a better book than Wonderland…
July 4, 2009 at 10:43 am
Good points, Jilly – and bonus points for knowing that ‘Through the Looking-Glass is actually a separate book! Most people don’t!
July 4, 2009 at 11:01 am
Well, I own a beautiful 1927 edition with wonderful colour-plates, which had belonged to one of my aunts (I think), and was passed on to me when I was very small. I actually had it rebound a few years ago, because too many generations of enthusiastic readers had had such a damaging effect on the spine! It was one of the books I took with me when I left home, and it’s travelled everywhere with me since then.
I blame Lewis Carroll for the fact that I’m no good at chess. Real chess pieces don’t live up to the expectations of someone raised on Through the Looking Glass!
July 4, 2009 at 11:03 am
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Nikolay Kotev
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July 6, 2009 at 11:40 am
Well, did you read it again?
I haven’t read it since I was a child but your comments have prompted me to consider raiding one of my grandchildren’s bookshelves and purloin a copy.
And as we’re on the topic of great books for children that can be enjoyed by grown-ups, my special favourite is “The Wind in The Willows”.
July 9, 2009 at 10:06 am
Alice through the Looking Glass is indeed a classic. I have re-read it many times with pleasure. Adults can probably get more of this “children’s” book than kids. Tenniel’s pictures add a lot
July 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm
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