I lost my 2 leather-bound volumes of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland (AAW) and Through The Looking Glass (TLG) in one of my many moves over the years. I figured it was time for a replacement, and, for some strange reason, I wanted an annotated version -- to gain a better understanding of these magnificent works. This is -- according to all of the reviews that I read -- the best of the best. I have to admit that I agree with the other commentators on that point.
I received the book a couple of weeks ago and just started reading it last week. I like the layout -- with the text and images and the annotations along side on the same page. The annotations are fascinating, and add a beautiful dimension to the works included.
The book's physical qualities are exceptional -- the cover has an expensive and classic look about it, the illustrations and type are clear and crisp. All in all, a beautiful printing, fit for the beautiful works contained therein. The book is both a true labor of love and a work of art.
I have, however, found a curiosity in the editing of the text of AAW -- misspellings of the contractions: to wit, won't is spelled w'on't (starting on page 20 of the Text and continuing for as far as I've read); Boo (on page 22, Note 2) is spelled Bo; can't is spelled ca'n't (starting on page 23 of the Text and continuing for as far as I've read). I find this to be a curious error -- and I am planning on contacting the publisher directly to see if they have corrected it; and, if so, I plan to ask for a corrected copy of the book.
Aside from that -- I just love these stories. As always, the Disney versions left a lot to be desired (although I really liked the Tim Burton version with Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, et al.). This is a beautiful version of some great works, and it has a high place on my list of favorite books.
--Update 2013 March 31 -- I recently finished reading this book -- it made me realize just how much I loved these 2 stories. The added background annotations bring the entire experience to life -- giving me a sense of the evolution of the stories and the manner in which they were a part of the life of Lewis Carroll. I got a sense of the evolution and development of the stories, as well as the part they were in Carroll's own life. There is a magic here -- as in Peter Pan -- and it takes me back to a special time when I first read these stories as a younger man. They allow me to appreciate my own inner child, and cherish that part of my own life and that part of others as well. I've always been particularly drawn to childlike innocence -- whether in comedy such as Laurel and Hardy, or in these stories and Peter Pan (which has its dark elements, to be sure -- but there is still an innocence there, too).
The original John Tenniel illustrations were also a special treat -- they were in the volumes I lost many years ago -- although I also have special appreciation for the Arthur Rackham illustrations for this story and Peter Pan (I also bought the Annotated Peter Pan and Huckleberry Finn of this Norton Series -- see my review there, too).
You will be in for a special treat with this book and with others of this Annotated series by Norton. Give yourself a special treat and purchase this book -- and share it with someone you care about, too.
P.S.: I originally gave a 4-star rating due to the editing errors (at least that's what I think they are -- the publisher never returned my inquiry about them) ---- but I am now upgrading it a 5-star rating after having read the book. It is utterly magnificent.
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An Absolutely Stunning, Magical, and Stellar Book
Lewis Carroll's vision is brilliantly whimsical and he has a vivid imagination. The psychedelic imagary is absolutely breathtaking and it speaks to my schizophrenia. The annotations are a wonderful way to educate your a child's limited vocabulary and offers an in depth look into the authors creative psyche. The illustrations are marvelous. If you have a child with a creative mind or who is on the schizo-spectrum, they will absolutely love this marvelous tale.
Top reviews from other countries
Martha
"Leia-me", dizia o bilhete grudado ao livro
Reviewed in Brazil on May 7, 2021
Martha
Reviewed in Brazil on May 7, 2021
Esse livro é um presente para fãs adultos de Carroll que querem se aprofundar nas obras de Alice. Os comentários são excelentes, e a diagramação e materiais do livro são dignos de uma edição de 150 anos. Seguem fotos para apreciação.
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