Complete Alice in Wonderland - L. Carroll [166]
Lewis Carroll As I Knew Him, by Isa Bowman: An intriguing short “confessional” by one of Carroll’s “child-friends,” unique for some of its insights and personal asides concerning the mysterious gentleman.
Lewis Carroll: The Complete Illustrated Works: I have issues with this compilation, but it is still one of the best print bargains out there for a reader who wants to see the full breadth of Carroll’s other creations.
Lewis Carroll and His World, by John Pudney: A charming short biography of Lewis Carroll, primarily of value due to its treasure trove of photographs.
Lewis Carroll: Photographer, by Roger Taylor and Edward Wakeling: If you can afford it, this is probably the best collection of Carroll’s photographs (including many of Alice and the other Liddells).
The Lewis Carroll Picture Book, edited by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood: The classic collection of Carroll’s juvenilia, miscellanea and rarer works. Filled with his illustrations, puzzles and photographs as well.
The Magic of Lewis Carroll, edited by John Fisher: An baffling and occasionally brilliant collection of Carroll’s games and puzzles.
The Real Alice, by Anne Clark: Probably the finest biography of Alice Liddell, including a plethora of rarities.
The Snark Was a Boojum: A Life of Lewis Carroll, by James Playsted Wood: An idiosyncratic and amusing glimpse of Lewis Carroll. A bit outdated, but pleasantly light.
The Victorian Fairy Tale Book, by Michael Patrick Hearn: While not strictly an Alice book, this is one of the best collections for readers who want to experience other, more obscure tales of Victorian fairy lands.
A Curious Glossary of Victoriana & Carrolliana
Compiled by Kent David Kelly
TRUE TO Carroll’s playful, bookish and thoroughly Victorian nature, the “Alice” stories are filled with words that are delightful, odd and nonsensical. Many of these definitions are featured in the texts themselves, while others can be deciphered in context. Considering the endless stream of such confusing terms, however, it may be beneficial to gather them all in one place for the benefit of the inquisitive reader.
Further, Carroll assumed the reader’s casual familiarity with various Victorian objects which scarcely exist in our world any longer (such as sal-volatile, treacle, nosegays and bathing-machines). When added to Carroll’s own intentionally odd inventions, these items (while charming) only add to the reader’s confusion.
It is hoped that this combined glossary of Victoriana and Carrolliana will be helpful to the last. Please enjoy, and thank you for reading The Complete Alice in Wonderland!
Bandersnatch: A dangerous predatory creature which pounces out and snatches unfortunate victims away.
Barrister: A gentleman who gives expert legal opinions and pleadings in a court of law.
Bathing-Machine: A wheeled enclosure, used to allow modest sea-bathing in absolute seclusion.
Beamish: Joyful, celebratory and idealistic.
Bellman: A town crier, who makes public announcements on behalf of the court (“Oyez,” “Hear ye, hear ye,” etc.).
Blotting-Paper: A highly absorbent type of paper, used to quickly mop up ink stains.
Bolster: A long narrow pillow, typically used as a headrest or back support.
Boojum: A Snark which has grown so powerful, so convinced of its own reality, that dreamers who behold it are snuffed out of existence.
Boots: Someone who shines and blackens boots for a living.
Borogove: A shaggy, long-legged bird, which looks like a mixture of a parrot, a toucan and a flamingo.
Bowsprit: The long pole that projects from the prow (front) of a ship to secure and extend the rigging.
Bridecake: A Victorian wedding cake.
Brillig: The time in the afternoon (4:00 PM) when you begin boiling things for dinner. The word may come from “broil,” but may also signify “bright light.”
Brooch: A clasp or pin, which keeps a wrapping garment (such as a cloak or shawl) comfortably in place. The brooch is typically separate from the garment so that its position can