Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-98), is a revered figure in the literary world. Known for his enchanting nonsense literature, his works have transcended generations and continue to captivate readers today.
Carroll’s distinctive storytelling style and imaginative narratives have etched his name into the annals of classic literature. This article introduces you to ten of the best works of Lewis Carroll, each a unique mirror reflecting this brilliant author’s creative genius. As usual, we would be glad to hear your thoughts in the comments below:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is undoubtedly Carroll’s magnum opus. Published in 1865, this whimsical tale is a product of a boat trip Carroll took with the children of Henry Liddell, including Alice Liddell, who inspired the book’s main character.
The story features a series of illogical conversations and nonsensical events that transport readers into the fantastical world of Wonderland. Characters like the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat have since become cultural icons.
‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’
Another masterpiece from Carroll is the poem ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter.’ This piece encapsulates Carroll’s signature blend of absurdity and humour.
The poem begins with the moon expressing annoyance at the sun for overstaying its welcome, setting the stage for the delightful nonsense to follow. The poem is an excellent example of Carroll’s ability to twist language and logic to create an utterly unique reading experience.
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, published in 1871, serves as the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Inspired by Carroll’s tales about chess, the book transports Alice into a giant chessboard-like world, filled with gardens, back-to-front words, and sentient chess pieces including the Red Queen and White Queen. The narrative cleverly incorporates chess rules, adding another layer of complexity to this already intricate tale.
Jabberwocky
‘Jabberwocky’ is another brilliant work from Carroll. This poem, found within Through the Looking-Glass, is a testament to Carroll’s linguistic creativity. With invented yet oddly expressive words, this poem is a definitive example of Carroll’s unique brand of nonsense literature. The poem is about the killing of a creature named “the Jabberwock”
‘You Are Old, Father William’
‘You Are Old, Father William’ is a humorous poem featured in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In typical Carroll fashion, it parodies Robert Southey’s 1799 poem ‘The Old Man’s Comforts and How He Gained Them.’
Carroll’s version eschews moralising, instead opting for the timeless appeal of silliness and nonsense. The poem is structured as an exchange of dialogues between father and son.
‘The Crocodile’
‘The Crocodile’ is a short story written by Lewis Carroll. It tells the tale of a mischievous crocodile who disguises himself as a watering can and causes havoc in a garden. The story showcases Carroll’s whimsical imagination and his ability to create amusing and fantastical scenarios.
‘The Crocodile’ is a delightful read that will leave readers both entertained and charmed by Carroll’s unique storytelling style.
Phantasmagoria and Other Poems
‘Phantasmagoria and Other Poems’ is a collection of poetry written by Lewis Carroll. Published in 1869, this collection features a variety of poems that range from humorous to macabre.
Carroll’s wit and wordplay shine through in these verses, showcasing his mastery of language and ability to create vivid and engaging imagery.
‘Phantasmagoria and Other Poems’ is a testament to Carroll’s versatility as a writer and his ability to captivate readers with his poetry.
Sylvie and Bruno
‘Sylvie and Bruno’ is a two-volume novel written by Lewis Carroll and published in 1889 and 1893 respectively. This imaginative narrative follows the adventures of two siblings, Sylvie and Bruno, as they navigate a fantastical world filled with talking animals, magical creatures, and parallel universes.
Carroll’s storytelling prowess is on full display in this work, as he seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, humour, and social commentary. ‘Sylvie and Bruno’ is a lesser-known gem in Carroll’s repertoire but is nonetheless a testament to his creative genius.
The Hunting of the Snark’
The Hunting of the Snark’ is a whimsical and nonsensical poem written by Lewis Carroll. Published in 1876, this imaginative piece follows a group of characters as they embark on a quest to hunt a mysterious creature called the Snark.
Filled with wordplay, absurdity, and clever rhymes, ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ showcases Carroll’s mastery of language and his ability to create a captivating and entertaining narrative. This poem is a delightful read for both children and adults alike.
‘Eight or Nine Wise Words about Letter-Writing”
Eight or Nine Wise Words about Letter-Writing’ is a humorous and satirical essay written by Lewis Carroll. Published in 1890, this piece offers tongue-in-cheek advice on the art of letter-writing, poking fun at societal norms and conventions.
Carroll’s wit and clever wordplay shine through in this lighthearted and entertaining essay, making it a delightful read for anyone interested in Carroll’s unique style of writing.
There we have it, our list of 10 best works of Lewis Carroll. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: