Here we offer a first edition set of perhaps the most beloved children's books ever: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll, printed in 1897 by MacMillan and Company, London, and each densely illustrated with John Tenniel's now iconic illustrations. Alice, originally printed in 1865, is in its stated 86th print run. Looking Glass, originally printed in 1871, is in its 61st printing of its first edition. These were extravagant bindings, featuring gilt-impressed, red silk boards and gilt all the way around the text block (to keep dust out.) "Alice" features an added "Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child" at the end, as the print run was set for December.

As a very special bonus, included in the auction is a very collectible 18th century pharmacy bottle with a "drink me" tag reproduced from the original John Tenniel "Alice" illustration. The bottle is a rare, sought-after "Rowland's Macassar Oil" bottle, as the printing in the glass contour reveals. Rowland's Macassar is mentioned in the White Knight's tale in "Looking Glass":

His accents mild took up the tale:
He said, "I go my ways,
And when I find a mountain-rill,
I set it in a blaze;
And thence they make a stuff they call
Rowland's Macassar Oil -
Yet twopence-halfpenny is all
They give me for my toil.”

Bindings have typical wear, including sunned spines (please see pics).  Original endpapers and frontis tissues. Moderate foxing. Alice bears a large bookplate on its front pastedown.  Bindings are very tight and square  Text and numerous illustrations are very bright and crisp. 192 and 224 pages respectively, plus ads; the books measure approximately 7.5 x 5-inches.

This wonderful iconic set will make an attractive centerpiece to your firsts collection or a very thoughtful gift.

** Have you seen all the amazing first and rare editions of iconic books we offer? We gladly combine shipping and refund the shipping overpayment, so please check out our other items! -- other auctions of classic antiquarian literature and special gifts!**

Thank you for your interest!