The Making of the Alice Books: Lewis Carroll's Uses of Earlier Children's Literature : Book Review

"The Making of the Alice Books" by Ronald Reichertz offers a captivating exploration of the creative process behind Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. In this book, Reichertz delves into Carroll's influences, inspirations, and intentions in writing these iconic works, giving readers a deeper understanding of the complex world of Victorian literature and children's storytelling.

One of the notable strengths of Reichertz's work is his meticulous attention to detail and thorough examination of Carroll's life and work. By delving into Carroll's background as a mathematician and photographer, Reichertz highlights how these passions influenced his writing and contributed to the whimsical and logic-twisting nature of the Alice stories. Additionally, Reichertz explores Carroll's connections to other prominent Victorian authors and thinkers, providing insights into the broader cultural and intellectual context in which the Alice books emerged.

"The Making of the Alice Books" also offers a fascinating glimpse into the publication history of Carroll's works and their critical reception at the time. Reichertz explores the controversies surrounding Carroll's relationships with young girls in a balanced manner, acknowledging the complexities of Carroll's character while still recognizing his literary achievements. This nuanced approach adds depth to Reichertz's analysis and allows readers to appreciate the Alice books in a more thoughtful way.

Reichertz's writing style is engaging and accessible, making "The Making of the Alice Books" a pleasure to read for both casual fans and serious scholars of literature. His passion for the subject matter is evident in his meticulous research and thoughtful commentary. By examining the various aspects of Carroll's life and work, Reichertz provides a comprehensive exploration of the Alice books, appealing to a wide range of readers with different levels of familiarity with these classic stories.

In conclusion, "The Making of the Alice Books" is an essential read for those interested in the history of children's literature, the Victorian era, or the genius of Lewis Carroll. Ronald Reichertz's insightful analysis and thorough research make this book a valuable resource for both scholars and curious readers, offering a deeper understanding of the Alice books and their enduring impact on literature.

What are readers saying?

"The Making of the Alice Books" by Ronald Reichertz has garnered a range of reviews from readers. In general, the book has been well received, with readers commending the author's extensive research and perceptive analysis of Lewis Carroll's beloved "Alice" series.

Readers particularly appreciated how Reichertz delves into the historical and cultural context surrounding the creation of the Alice books. By providing a detailed exploration of Carroll's life, including his interactions with children and the inspiration he derived from them, the author adds depth to readers' understanding of the enchanting characters and whimsical world of Wonderland.

The comprehensive research conducted by Reichertz has also been highly praised by reviewers. The book extensively explores the publishing industry of that time, as well as the various editions and adaptations of the Alice books throughout history. This attention to detail is seen as commendable by reviewers, significantly enhancing their appreciation for the iconic work.

Moreover, many readers found the author's analysis of Carroll's writing style and underlying themes to be thought-provoking. Reichertz elucidates the mathematical and linguistic elements present in the books, which captivated readers who relish deciphering the layers of complexity within the stories. Furthermore, the examination of themes such as childhood, identity, and nonsense literature struck a chord with readers, deepening their admiration for the books.

However, a minority of reviewers felt that the book could have been more concise and less scholarly in its approach. Some mentioned that the writing style was too dry and academic for their taste, making it less accessible for casual readers. Nevertheless, even these reviewers acknowledged the value of the book's research and analysis.

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