The speakers will present many examples of his parodies, to demonstrate the influence of Isaac Watts and other writers of moral and improving texts on the young Charles Dodgson. They will show how he lampooned them, first in his juvenile writings (such as ‘Useful and Instructive Poetry’), and later in the pages of ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass’. Aas a result, his parodies have outlived their once distinguished, but now largely forgotten, originals.

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Professor Jan B Gordon explores (“with a plea for audience participation”) why Alice’s fears of her total disappearance are totally justified, given “childhood” and its dangers in 19th century literature. And, along with the flickering in and out of Alice, will be considered such puzzles as a Cheshire Cat that appears and disappears and food both that is both simultaneously there and not there at a tea table.

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The story arose at 4 July 1862, when Lewis Carroll (pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), was on a boat trip with a friend, Alice, and her sisters Lorina and Edith. Alice grew restless and begged Dodgson for a story “with lots of nonsense in it”. So started the famous tale, which was continued on further outings, and was later expanded for publication.

Exactly three years later, on 4 July 1865, the first edition of the book was printed.

Read more about the origins of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ story

On Alice’s Day, all kinds of Alice in Wonderland themed activities and events are being organized in the city. This includes tea-parties, games, storytelling, talks (from a.o. the Lewis Carroll Society), walks, live music and more. Most events are free of charge!

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