History Daily

Lewis Carroll Imagines Wonderland

5 snips
Jul 4, 2025
Discover the whimsical origins of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, sparked by a boat ride story from Charles Dodgson, later known as Lewis Carroll. Explore the enchanting moment when the tale is born and the creative journey filled with challenges to publish it. Delve into the complexities of Carroll's relationships post-publication, revealing the controversies that shaped his legacy. This fascinating exploration gives insight into the man behind the beloved characters and the literary world he crafted.
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ANECDOTE

Birth of Alice's Tale on Thames

  • On July 4, 1862, Charles Dodgson rowed a boat with three girls including Alice Little on the Thames near Oxford.
  • To calm restless Alice, he improvised the story of a girl named Alice falling into Wonderland, captivating the children.
ANECDOTE

Charles Dodgson's Dual Passions

  • Charles Dodgson, a skilled mathematician, secretly pursued writing under the pen name Lewis Carroll.
  • His close friendship with the Little family led to the iconic storytelling day with Alice on the river.
ANECDOTE

Publishing Alice's Adventures

  • In London, Charles met publisher Alexander Macmillan, negotiating to publish Alice's Adventures Underground.
  • Despite disputes over publishing details, the book became an instant hit, changing Charles' life forever.
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