Carroll, Lewis. [Dodgson, Charles Lutwidge].

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. 1897, eighty-sixth thousand [ninth edition, first issue], [Williams, Madan, Green and Crutch 46g]; Through the Looking-Glass... 1897, sixty-first thousand [fourth edition, first issue], [Williams, Madan, Green and Crutch 84c]; both 8vo, presentation copies inscribed by the author ("Dorothy Jessica Bowles, | from the Author. | Oct. 26, 1897.") on half-titles, wood-engraved illustrations after John Tenniel, modern full morocco gilt by Asprey, gilt edges, slipcase, later ownership signatures

Dorothy Jessica Bowles (presentation inscriptions by the author)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Gibson Bowles (see lot 130) married Jessica Gordon (1852-87) in 1876. There were four children of which Dorothy Jessica was the fourth, born in 1884. She was known to Dodgson as 'Weenie' (and described, in 1891, as 'bright and clever'). At the end of 1891 she was listed as one of the author's 'new child-friends'. Dodgson's diary records that T.G. Bowles came to stay with him for two nights on 26 October 1897 (see ed. Edward Wakeling, Lewis Carroll's Diaries, Vol 9, p. 346). These inscribed copies were presumably sent with the father as a gift for his daughter.

The eighty-sixth thousand impression of Alice comprised the first issue of Carroll's final revised text and includes a special preface. The sixty-first thousand impression of Looking-Glass was also entirely revised and reset with a new preface. This set therefore presents a matching pair of editions in the author's final version.