SYLVIE AND BRUNO

London: Macmillan, 1889. Very good.. Inscribed first edition, with a purple-ink inscription by Carroll in the year of publication to the wife of the playwright who tried to take ALICE to the theater. This copy is inscribed to "Mrs. Dubourg": the Dubourgs appear a number of times in the journals and letters of Lewis Carroll. Augustus William Dubourg was an author and playwright who attempted to get ALICE produced on the stage. Carroll also formed a friendship with their daughter Evelyn, who was either 10 or 12 when they first met. He frequently met with the family when in town, and continued to make special visits with them over the course of many years. SYLVIE AND BRUNO is a tale of Fairyland, which grew from the episodic stories of two characters that Carroll would often tell to children. In it Carroll sought to create an entirely original approach to the fairy story - just as he had with ALICE, which now had so many imitations that Carroll hoped once more to prove his ingenuity; a few of the scenes were apparently inspired by dreams. A nice copy with an interesting association. Octavo. 7.5'' x 5.25''. Original full gilt-stamped red cloth. All edges gilt. Illustrated by Harry Furniss. Publisher's ads at rear. xiv, 400, [4] pages. Inscribed by Carroll in purple ink on half title: "Mrs. Dubourg, / With sincere regards / from the Author [flourish] / Dec. 12, 1889." Hinges repaired, some small holes to cloth at front joint, fore-edge, and rear top corner, a few patches of foxing to text. Red cloth bright, gilt strong.