Alice Through the Looking-glass: And What Alice Found There

When you pick up Alice Through the Looking-Glass, if you start at the back of the book (and given the book, that's not so odd...) you'll notice two things. First, Lewis Carroll was either pregnant when this photo was taken, or he's Santa Claus. In light of his talent and the words he brought to the page, let's go with the latter.

The second thing you'll notice when you turn the page is this blurb: "Well, this is grand!" said Alice. "I never expected I should be a Queen so soon."

Merely a pullout from the book to appear under an illustration (along with Peter Blake's 'blurb' on his inspiration, process, etc.), this quote reveals (at least in my world) a source of the 'gay' fascination with Alice, and indeed her queer way of approaching -and dealing with- the world. (In both senses of the word.)

Alice Through the Looking-Glass is a collection of Lewis Carroll's brilliant writings, supplemented by illustrations, photographs and a 'conversation' with Peter Blake, regarding his work on Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass. While the works of Mr. Carroll take up the majority of the pages (and are certainly fascinating in their own right), I have a feeling that it's the sneak peek 'behind the scenes' with Mr. Blake for which most people will remember this book.

Speaking briefly but poignantly on his work both preparing for and completing the illustrations, it's clear that Blake's work went beyond a simple "job," and the commission touched his life (as well as his family's) permanently. While the photos and illustrations are limited, they are incredibly interesting, and a wonderful starting point for anyone interested in his work.

Of course I need not even mention that the writing -poetry, verse and stories - of Lewis Carroll is top-notch. Brilliantly worded, gorgeously "proper" and wickedly silly, Alice, her kitty, and her adventures should be part of everyone's list of studied material.

Oh yes - I almost forgot. The first page (remember, I was reading the book backwards), and indeed the very first thing the (normal) reader sees is a photo of Mr. Carroll's backside. How gay is that?