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First edition of ‘Through the Looking Glass’ with original pencil sketches by Tenniel for sale

A first edition of ‘Through the Looking Glass and what Alice found there’ is being offered for sale. The copy is special, because it contains two original pencil drawings from the illustrator, John Tenniel.

The copy bears pencil sketches of Humpty Dumpty on the wall and Alice holding a fawn. The images are reversed, in imitation of what Tenniel would have drawn on the wood for the engraving process. There’s also an inscription with Tenniel’s monogram and the line “Ever yours”.

Two pencil sketches by John Tenniel in Through the Looking Glass

There are 3 other known copies that contain original pencil drawings from Tenniel. The drawings in this copy are different from those in the other three.

The seller describes the copy as follows:

First edition, 1872. Full title: Through the looking-glass, and what Alice found there. London: Macmillan and Co. Octavo. 7’’ x 4.5’’.
Original full red cloth, triple gilt-rule borders, central gilt-stamped icons on both boards, gilt-lettered spine. Blue coated endpapers, all edges gilt. Half title. Wood-engraved tissue-guarded frontispiece and 49 in-text wood engravings by Dalziel after Tenniel. One page of ads at rear. [12], 224, [4] pages. Half title inscribed (”Ever yours / JT”) and illustrated by Tenniel with two pencil sketches from the book: the top portion of TTLG118 (Humpty Dumpty offering his hand) and TTLG63 (Alice clasping her arms round Fawn). Half title with additional ink gift inscription. Burn & Co. binder’s ticket on rear pastedown. Housed in a custom maroon slipcase and chemise.

Boards moderately soiled, spine toned and soiled, with additional wear to spine extremities, light bump to front corner, expert repair to hinges, a few instances of soiling to text. Very good only.

The price is quite high: $75,000, so you may want to negotiate…

More information can be found on the site of the seller. Or send an email to [email protected].

Cover of Through the Looking Glass copy

 

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