Lewis Carroll (1832–1898)

Today in history... Lewis Carroll dies

January 14, 1898: The eminent children’s author passes away aged 65 in Guildford, England

On this day, in 1898, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson - better known to the world as Lewis Carroll - died and left behind him a legacy of wordplay, logic and fantasy which endures to this day.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, remain his most famous works.

The perennial influence of Carroll's books was reflected at auction in December, 2009, when the US auctioneers Profiles in History held a special sale of the Pat McInally Collection of Children's literature.

The sale grossed $551,454. Among its major highlights was a First Edition, dedication copy of Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.

Through The Looking Glass ($115k)

This very special copy of the book was, in fact, dedicated to the real life Alice: Alice Pleasance Liddell, on whom the book's female protagonist is based. The opening page bears her autograph.

As well as featuring her signature, at the back of the book is hidden an acrostic poem which spells out Alice's name.

Thanks to the book's remarkable provenance and exceptional rarity - only three were ever presented in red binding, and only one bears Liddell's signature - it eventually sold for a fantastic $115,000.

• More news on Books and Autographs
• Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Image: Profiles in History