Books: A beautiful edition of Alice in Wonderland

Books are a huge part of mine and my family's life, they surround us at home piled high. Even at four year's old Matilda has piles of books around her bed that she reads to herself every night before going to sleep. 

Ever since I can remember I've read for at least half an hour before turning off the light. Wherever I go if there's a second hand bookshop I can never resist crossing the threshold. Rarely do I leave empty handed.

One of my most precious discoveries whilst on our recent holiday in Cornwall was this beautiful copy of Alice in Wonderland from 1943. Still in mint condition the illustrations by Rene Cloke are gorgeous. Rene, born in 1905 and lived until the ripe old age of 90, was an illustrator who was best known for creating whimsical fairies, elves and pixies that decorated postcards and greeting cards. She also illustrated many books including this particular edition of Alice In Wonderland. The magical story you never grow out of reading is clearly the perfect vessel for her curious imagination. Her illustrations depict each moment beautifully whilst lifting the story off the page for it's reader. Colourful and intricately drawn I fell in love with them as soon as I turned the first page.

I won't dwell too much on the man himself because if you take a peek at this fascinating blog by Mrs Middleton you'll discover that she is the expert on Mr Lewis Carroll, having spent many a long hour researching and studying his work. Based on the Isle of Wight Mrs Middleton, a Fashion Designer, Blogger, Actress and Model, recently launched a range of products inspired by Alice and her friends that you can find in her online store. Which reminds me I must get my order in to her!











 

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