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A fascinating antique hardcover copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, published in Chicago by Donohue, Henneberry & Co. and featuring 42 illustrations by John Tenniel.
In addition to its beautiful antique binding, this copy has particularly interesting Texas provenance dating to 1898.
The front endpaper contains a handwritten pencil inscription:
“Bernard Lewis
March 4, 1898”
On the same endpaper is an old ownership stamp:
“B. N. LEWIS
CAMERON, TEXAS”
Research into the ownership markings has uncovered a compelling possible identification. Genealogical records identify a Bernard N. Lewis, born March 4, 1889, in Texas, who was associated with Cameron, Texas, and was later buried there.
If the Bernard N. Lewis in those historical records is the owner of this book—as the matching name, middle initial, Cameron connection, and exact March 4 date strongly suggest—the handwritten inscription was made on his ninth birthday, March 4, 1898.
It is certainly possible that the book was a ninth-birthday gift, although that specific circumstance cannot be independently verified and is not being represented as established fact.
Regardless, the dated inscription establishes that this particular copy was in circulation no later than March 4, 1898. The book itself is undated, so 1898 is not being represented as its publication date.
The book features an attractive cloth-covered hardcover binding with ornate silver-tone lettering, floral decoration and scrollwork across the front cover and spine. Its aged cloth, elaborate decoration and surviving period ownership markings give this copy wonderful character.
BOOK DETAILS
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Author: Lewis Carroll
• Illustrator: John Tenniel
• 42 illustrations
• Publisher: Donohue, Henneberry & Co.
• Place of publication: Chicago
• Hardcover cloth binding
• Undated edition
• Handwritten inscription: “Bernard Lewis, March 4, 1898”
• Ownership stamp: “B. N. Lewis, Cameron, Texas”
• Dated ownership established by March 4, 1898
• Possible provenance connected to Bernard N. Lewis (1889–1913) of Texas
CONDITION
This is an antique book more than 125 years old and shows substantial wear consistent with its age and use.
The cloth-covered boards show fading, discoloration, rubbing, edge and corner wear. There is fraying and loss at the head and foot of the spine. Pages show substantial age toning/browning.
The binding shows age-related wear, including cracking/separation at the front interior hinge, as clearly pictured. The front endpaper contains the period Bernard Lewis inscription and B. N. Lewis ownership stamp described above.
The book has not been restored, repaired or altered and is being offered exactly as found.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly those showing the binding, hinges, spine, endpapers and ownership markings. Photographs are considered part of the condition description and show the exact book you will receive.
A fascinating survivor with documented 1898 ownership, Texas provenance, classic John Tenniel illustrations, and a compelling possible connection to a nine-year-old Bernard N. Lewis of Cameron, Texas.
A wonderful addition to an Alice in Wonderland collection, Lewis Carroll collection, John Tenniel collection, antique children’s book collection, Victorian-era library, or Texas historical collection.
Will be carefully packed for shipping to help protect the antique binding.
