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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Decoded: The Full Text of Lewis Carroll's Novel with its Many Hidden Meanings Revealed
This gorgeous 150th anniversary edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is also a revelatory work of scholarship.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland --published 150 years ago in 1865--is a book many of us love and feel we know well. But it turns out we have only scratched the surface. Scholar David Day has spent many years down the rabbit hole of this children's classic and has emerged with a revelatory new view of its contents. What we have here, he brilliantly and persuasively argues, is a complete classical education in coded form--Carroll's gift to his "wonder child" Alice Liddell.
In two continuous commentaries, woven around the complete text of the novel for ease of cross-reference on every page, David Day reveals the many layers of teaching, concealed by manipulation of language, that are carried so lightly in the beguiling form of a fairy tale. These layers relate directly to Carroll's interest in philosophy, history, mathematics, classics, poetry, spiritualism and even to his love of music--both sacred and profane. His novel is a memory palace, given to Alice as the great gift of an education. It was delivered in coded form because in that age, it was a gift no girl would be permitted to receive in any other way.
Day also shows how a large number of the characters in the book are based on real Victorians. Wonderland, he shows, is a veritable "Who's Who" of Oxford at the height of its power and influence in the Victorian Age.
There is so much to be found behind the imaginary characters and creatures that inhabit the pages of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. David Day's warm, witty and brilliantly insightful guide--beautifully designed and stunningly illustrated throughout in full colour--will make you marvel at the book as never before.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland --published 150 years ago in 1865--is a book many of us love and feel we know well. But it turns out we have only scratched the surface. Scholar David Day has spent many years down the rabbit hole of this children's classic and has emerged with a revelatory new view of its contents. What we have here, he brilliantly and persuasively argues, is a complete classical education in coded form--Carroll's gift to his "wonder child" Alice Liddell.
In two continuous commentaries, woven around the complete text of the novel for ease of cross-reference on every page, David Day reveals the many layers of teaching, concealed by manipulation of language, that are carried so lightly in the beguiling form of a fairy tale. These layers relate directly to Carroll's interest in philosophy, history, mathematics, classics, poetry, spiritualism and even to his love of music--both sacred and profane. His novel is a memory palace, given to Alice as the great gift of an education. It was delivered in coded form because in that age, it was a gift no girl would be permitted to receive in any other way.
Day also shows how a large number of the characters in the book are based on real Victorians. Wonderland, he shows, is a veritable "Who's Who" of Oxford at the height of its power and influence in the Victorian Age.
There is so much to be found behind the imaginary characters and creatures that inhabit the pages of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. David Day's warm, witty and brilliantly insightful guide--beautifully designed and stunningly illustrated throughout in full colour--will make you marvel at the book as never before.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
34 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
David Day
276 books261 followersDavid Day (b. 14 October 1947 in Victoria, British Columbia) is a Canadian author of over forty books: poetry, natural history, ecology, mythology, fantasy, and children's literature. Internationally he is most notably known for his literary criticism on J. R. R. Tolkien and his works.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 1, 2019
"If there's no meaning in it," said the King, "that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we needn't try to find any."
Silly king! there is lots of meaning in this nonsense. Many things have been written about Alice in Wonderland. Some do, indeed, find things in it that aren't really there. But that doesn't mean there aren't any hidden meanings to uncover.
Martin Gardner did an excellent job with The Annotated Alice in multiple editions starting from the 1960s. Gardner mostly pointed out the original stories, poems and songs that were being parodied, and issues of logic and mathematics. David Day, here, goes deeper into mythological sources, events of the time, and the social life of Lewis Carroll and his feud with the real family of the real Alice Liddell. Mr. Carroll shows himself to be stubborn and petty.
Some may find it hard to believe that such a simple seeming story could have so many levels of references. That the Mad Hatter's party could simultaneously be just a silly story that kids can enjoy, and have references to Eleusinian Mysteries, mathematical puzzles, differences between lunar and solar calendars, and current politics at Oxford university, and more. Yet, it is true. Carroll was well educated in Greek and Latin myths and history and expected his (adult) readers to be, too. He, like many of his friends, was involved in secret societies looking to explore lost knowledge, and loved to look for hidden meanings in works of art.
Carroll had an unbelievably generous job at Oxford University: he couldn't be fired, he had no duties (teaching courses was optional), he got public recognition, a salary, and food and lodgings. Yet he lost no opportunity to publicly criticize the Dean, Alice's father, for his liberal policies. What was so awful? Well, Dean Liddell and his friends wanted to teach at least some courses in English, and not require all students to know more than basic Greek and Latin, and to admit some students based on academic merit rather than social position, and to teach some classes that might be of practical use.
Carroll argued with the reformers constantly in meetings, and attacked their positions both directly, and through anonymous 'squibs' and letters to newspapers where the Dean and his supporters were drawn in caricature as animals. (Because of this that we can be very certain who some of the animals in Wonderland represent.)
Soon after the original manuscript of "Alice's Adventures Underground," Carroll had a falling-out with Mrs. Liddell as well. She forbade him to have any further contact with her children. (Probably because the oldest daughter was getting too old to be out with a man without a chaperone.) He was furious. The end of the original story was expanded and became darker so that Carroll could complain about how unfairly he thought he was being treated by King and Queen Liddell, falsely accused of trying to steal their sweet little 'tarts'. (The word 'tart' at the time simply meant 'young girl', and did not yet mean 'prostitute'.)
I love everything related to Alice in Wonderland. But the real treat in this book, for me, was learning about Oxford in the Victorian era. It is also physically beautiful inside and out, a great coffee table book with interesting information on every page which can be read in almost any order, though you get the most understanding if you read it straight through.
Silly king! there is lots of meaning in this nonsense. Many things have been written about Alice in Wonderland. Some do, indeed, find things in it that aren't really there. But that doesn't mean there aren't any hidden meanings to uncover.
Martin Gardner did an excellent job with The Annotated Alice in multiple editions starting from the 1960s. Gardner mostly pointed out the original stories, poems and songs that were being parodied, and issues of logic and mathematics. David Day, here, goes deeper into mythological sources, events of the time, and the social life of Lewis Carroll and his feud with the real family of the real Alice Liddell. Mr. Carroll shows himself to be stubborn and petty.
Some may find it hard to believe that such a simple seeming story could have so many levels of references. That the Mad Hatter's party could simultaneously be just a silly story that kids can enjoy, and have references to Eleusinian Mysteries, mathematical puzzles, differences between lunar and solar calendars, and current politics at Oxford university, and more. Yet, it is true. Carroll was well educated in Greek and Latin myths and history and expected his (adult) readers to be, too. He, like many of his friends, was involved in secret societies looking to explore lost knowledge, and loved to look for hidden meanings in works of art.
Carroll had an unbelievably generous job at Oxford University: he couldn't be fired, he had no duties (teaching courses was optional), he got public recognition, a salary, and food and lodgings. Yet he lost no opportunity to publicly criticize the Dean, Alice's father, for his liberal policies. What was so awful? Well, Dean Liddell and his friends wanted to teach at least some courses in English, and not require all students to know more than basic Greek and Latin, and to admit some students based on academic merit rather than social position, and to teach some classes that might be of practical use.
Carroll argued with the reformers constantly in meetings, and attacked their positions both directly, and through anonymous 'squibs' and letters to newspapers where the Dean and his supporters were drawn in caricature as animals. (Because of this that we can be very certain who some of the animals in Wonderland represent.)
Soon after the original manuscript of "Alice's Adventures Underground," Carroll had a falling-out with Mrs. Liddell as well. She forbade him to have any further contact with her children. (Probably because the oldest daughter was getting too old to be out with a man without a chaperone.) He was furious. The end of the original story was expanded and became darker so that Carroll could complain about how unfairly he thought he was being treated by King and Queen Liddell, falsely accused of trying to steal their sweet little 'tarts'. (The word 'tart' at the time simply meant 'young girl', and did not yet mean 'prostitute'.)
I love everything related to Alice in Wonderland. But the real treat in this book, for me, was learning about Oxford in the Victorian era. It is also physically beautiful inside and out, a great coffee table book with interesting information on every page which can be read in almost any order, though you get the most understanding if you read it straight through.
December 23, 2017
I had to give this book three stars because of the beautiful design. However, the content appeared to me to be written by someone with intellectual ADHD. In his anxiety to assign as many meanings to each character in Wonderland, he rivals Humpty Dumpty. In his view, each character has multiple identities which might or might not relate to each other. It's a little dizzying. I can't recommend it as a good read and suggest people fall back on the wonderful Annotated Alice by Martin Gardner or Peter Heath's The Philosopher's Alice.
August 10, 2016
Probably not the way I'd recommend reading Alice in Wonderland for the first time. (in fact, I'm sure it's not) Too late now, I guess.
A lot of the "decoded" hidden meanings were references to Oxford politics and classical mythology that seemed a bit of a stretch. Eh.
Gives me plenty to think about if I ever want to write a satire children's book where the characters all represent my co-workers.
A lot of the "decoded" hidden meanings were references to Oxford politics and classical mythology that seemed a bit of a stretch. Eh.
Gives me plenty to think about if I ever want to write a satire children's book where the characters all represent my co-workers.
September 30, 2018
A gorgeous scholarly book that is beautiful enough to leave on the coffee table. David Day interweaves the Alice text with illustrations and information about the Oxford people who are portrayed as fantasy figures in the story. This is a book for dipping into, and curling up with in front of the fire on a cold winter evening. A must for all Alice fans.
April 26, 2017
Since my childhood, I have been developing something close to an obsession regarding "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". I have numerous different editions of the book, finding it fascinating how different illustrators interpret the work in their own way. As a child, I didn't exactly have the same relationship with it as I do now. Perhaps this is because, to many children, the strange world is quite scary and confusing, as much as it can also be a thing of delight. As I grew up and became more aware of the history surrounding the book, its fascination on me took hold. So, as soon as I saw that this book was to be published, I realised that I would have to buy it to add to my Alice collection.
First of all, the production of the book is absolutely superb. There is no dust jacket to this book, rather the boards are decorated. The size of the book is also good - there is some weight to it. I have to take umbrage with the previous reviewer, as this book was actually published in Canada, not China! The paper is of an excellent quality; rather than being blinding white, they have a slight sepia tone to them. Throughout the whole work, there are plenty of illustrations and reproductions of photographs and details from archives. The text of the tale itself is centred within the middle of the pages, distinct in a different coloured type, with the commentary surrounding it around the edges. This means that the tiresome task of flipping backwards and forwards to see footnotes or endnotes is avoided. And, what insights there are! This book is just fascinating. For anyone who has an interest in Carroll, Alice Liddell or the story on its own would do well to purchase this tome. Day explains how Carroll managed to weave a full classical education into his tale for the young Alice. Yes, there are parts of the admissions by Day which go over my head, as he tries to explain mathematics, but I really don't care! Reading this book is a delight - for a month now I have been dipping into it whenever I get the chance.
Simply put, this would make a wonderful gift for anyone who has an interest in this classic of English literature. It has certainly gained a prized place within my library.
First of all, the production of the book is absolutely superb. There is no dust jacket to this book, rather the boards are decorated. The size of the book is also good - there is some weight to it. I have to take umbrage with the previous reviewer, as this book was actually published in Canada, not China! The paper is of an excellent quality; rather than being blinding white, they have a slight sepia tone to them. Throughout the whole work, there are plenty of illustrations and reproductions of photographs and details from archives. The text of the tale itself is centred within the middle of the pages, distinct in a different coloured type, with the commentary surrounding it around the edges. This means that the tiresome task of flipping backwards and forwards to see footnotes or endnotes is avoided. And, what insights there are! This book is just fascinating. For anyone who has an interest in Carroll, Alice Liddell or the story on its own would do well to purchase this tome. Day explains how Carroll managed to weave a full classical education into his tale for the young Alice. Yes, there are parts of the admissions by Day which go over my head, as he tries to explain mathematics, but I really don't care! Reading this book is a delight - for a month now I have been dipping into it whenever I get the chance.
Simply put, this would make a wonderful gift for anyone who has an interest in this classic of English literature. It has certainly gained a prized place within my library.
Read
January 15, 2016Fans of the girl down the rabbit hole have much to celebrate this year. In addition to a new Tim Burton movie version of Through the Lookingglass, three glorious new editions of the original books are hitting the shelves in time for holiday giving.
The Annotated Alice has set the bar for Alice criticism since its debut in 1959. Martin Gardner's succinct explanations of the mathematical riddles,Victorian literary allusions and Oxford gossip hidden in this most perplexing of children's stories suddenly made everyone see the books as far more than mere "nonsense". This new volume includes over 100 new or updated annotations, more than 100 new color illustrations by such artists as Salvador Dalí, Beatrix Potter, and Ralph Steadman, and a filmography of every Alice-related film.
But Gardner has a competitor: new kid in town David Day is taking a crack at Alice-olatry. Alice Decoded sees Carroll's work as a kind of primer on Victorian education. Although he too connects the various odd characters to their "real life" counterparts, Day contends that the book is a " memory palace, given to Alice as the great gift of an education. It was delivered in coded form because in that age, it was a gift no girl would be permitted to receive in any other way."While that may or may not be true, this is a great read, and like the Gardner, includes beautiful color illustrations, many full page.
Finally for sheer trippy pleasure, take a look at the Salvador Dali Alice. Originally available only as a (very expensive) limited edition, Dali's surrealist take is the perfect complement to Carroll's absurdist situations.
(Lesley W. Adult Services)
The Annotated Alice has set the bar for Alice criticism since its debut in 1959. Martin Gardner's succinct explanations of the mathematical riddles,Victorian literary allusions and Oxford gossip hidden in this most perplexing of children's stories suddenly made everyone see the books as far more than mere "nonsense". This new volume includes over 100 new or updated annotations, more than 100 new color illustrations by such artists as Salvador Dalí, Beatrix Potter, and Ralph Steadman, and a filmography of every Alice-related film.
But Gardner has a competitor: new kid in town David Day is taking a crack at Alice-olatry. Alice Decoded sees Carroll's work as a kind of primer on Victorian education. Although he too connects the various odd characters to their "real life" counterparts, Day contends that the book is a " memory palace, given to Alice as the great gift of an education. It was delivered in coded form because in that age, it was a gift no girl would be permitted to receive in any other way."While that may or may not be true, this is a great read, and like the Gardner, includes beautiful color illustrations, many full page.
Finally for sheer trippy pleasure, take a look at the Salvador Dali Alice. Originally available only as a (very expensive) limited edition, Dali's surrealist take is the perfect complement to Carroll's absurdist situations.
(Lesley W. Adult Services)
September 14, 2016
SHOOK AF! The book itself is beautiful. The information given coinciding page by page with the full wonderland story makes it a very interesting read. Aesthetically pleasing. I found this book in my local library but I am going to buy it because I know it will haunt my dreams with visions of it's beauty if I don't. Carrrollian AF.
October 14, 2015
Absolutely wonderful!
See my full review here - http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies....
See my full review here - http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies....
March 19, 2016
Curiouser and Curiouser..
Having now read the original book the Disney classic film was based off on, with the mind of the author Lewis Carroll being decoded, it makes one wonder.
Having now read the original book the Disney classic film was based off on, with the mind of the author Lewis Carroll being decoded, it makes one wonder.
November 1, 2023
The book is a feast for those who believe that there is so much more to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland than a mere fairy tale. Lewis Carroll’s world revolved around Oxford and those places that were within easy reach, so his most famous book might really be dense with numerous references to people he used to know and events that seemed important to him. Therefore, if the reader is eager to take a deep dive into it, David Day’s exhaustive analysis is perfect for it. David Day analyzes the book on three levels: a) the level of ancient Greek and Roman culture (Lewis Carroll set much store by Classics) b) the level of mathematics and logic c) the level of real-life counterparts for each character, for example, the real-life Oxford White Rabbit counterpart was Alice Liddell’s family physician, Dr. Henry Wentworth Acland. It was interesting to get immersed in Lewis Carroll’s world, but some details do seem superfluous. However, the meticulousness of David Day's research is, undoubtedly, praiseworthy.
March 31, 2025
For those who love diving deep into the hidden layers of Lewis Carroll’s work, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Decoded by David Day will be fascinating read! This richly illustrated book explores the historical, mathematical, and literary allusions woven throughout Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, revealing a wealth of symbolism often overlooked.
Day examines Carroll’s connections to logic, politics, and Victorian society, making compelling arguments about the deeper meanings behind Alice’s journey. While some interpretations may be speculative, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective that adds new dimensions to Wonderland. The stunning visuals and detailed research make it a must-have for any serious Carroll fan. You will be impressed by how much more there is to the story and how meaningful and thoughtful it really is.
As the King of Hearts wisely says, “Begin at the beginning... and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”—and for those enchanted by Wonderland’s mysteries, this book ensures the journey is anything but ordinary.
Day examines Carroll’s connections to logic, politics, and Victorian society, making compelling arguments about the deeper meanings behind Alice’s journey. While some interpretations may be speculative, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective that adds new dimensions to Wonderland. The stunning visuals and detailed research make it a must-have for any serious Carroll fan. You will be impressed by how much more there is to the story and how meaningful and thoughtful it really is.
As the King of Hearts wisely says, “Begin at the beginning... and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”—and for those enchanted by Wonderland’s mysteries, this book ensures the journey is anything but ordinary.
May 25, 2017
Stunning book. Beautiful design.
Last quarter of the book dragged.
Of course, I have no idea how much of the analysis and connections to believe. Entertaining and stimulating, regardless.
Loved the Venn 4-letter, 5-letter & 6-letter systems on page 242. Made me want to quilt that beautiful pattern.
Last quarter of the book dragged.
Of course, I have no idea how much of the analysis and connections to believe. Entertaining and stimulating, regardless.
Loved the Venn 4-letter, 5-letter & 6-letter systems on page 242. Made me want to quilt that beautiful pattern.
January 1, 2021
I actually really enjoyed this book while I feel like a few theories were a bit far fetched, I found most of Day's interpretation very interesting. You do have to have a bit of historical knowledge and you definitely should have read "Alice in Wonderland" before. I am actually writing a thesis on "Alice in Wonderland" and found this book to be very fascinating and extremely helpful.
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February 9, 2021I'm a bit conflicted because some of the stuff he was saying made sense and is definitely going to be helpful in my dissertation, but some stuff felt like he was reaching to make everything have about 7 layers of meaning. Sometimes a dormouse is just a dormouse.
July 11, 2017
So interesting and very inspiring (?) for some reason.
September 22, 2018
Loved this book. Perfect blend of historical facts and the original text.
February 3, 2020
Raised some interesting points I had never thought of.
January 1, 2023
A fascinating read!
dnf
May 29, 2023[DNF] sometimes the curtains are just fucking blue
January 12, 2025
What a super fun and fairly mind-blowing cracking open of Lewis Carroll, who it turns out that he was quite a complicated and possibly unpleasant person, which does not make me like his books more, though my family has loved them forever. That's what brought me to this volume that I took from my aunt's Library. It is astonishing and Illuminating to realize that every nonsensical thing in Alice is actually code of multiple layers and it's super fun to discover what these things which look silly to us are actually about. The possibility that in the end much of this is just secret way of venting his anger and justifying himself towards Alice is amazing. It was a super well done book and a beautiful book as well in a total joy to read so I highly recommend it. Maybe someday we will know what was in those possibly incriminating few pages of his journal that were torn out, but maybe we don't want to. Let's try to enjoy his writing and separate that from the problematic man.
April 1, 2021
Really amazing info on the politics of the Oxford academia at the time and some fresh insights about Dodgeson's life. Some of the mythology connections really felt like a stretch, but it is still a must-read for fans.
January 25, 2016
This was an okay book. The look behind Alice in Wonderland would probably have been more interesting had I now read a biography of Alice Liddell last year. I already know a lot of these facts so it didn't hold me as much as it could have.
That said, it is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves the Alice story.
That said, it is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves the Alice story.
February 10, 2016
While interesting to find out who he based various characters on and what happened to Alice in the 70 or so years after the story, I found the in depth explanations of the mathematical meanings to be way over my head. Rather annoying really.
June 26, 2016
An incredibly thoughtful work that acknowledges and addresses the various oddities that marked Charles Dodgson's life.
December 29, 2016
Man, that's a lot of subtext.
March 30, 2017
A beautifully illustrated and compelling book; full of many layers of possible meanings and tremendous insight into the politics of mid-1800s Oxford, the author, the real-life models for the characters, and Alice herself. Although the full text of 'Alice' is there, I wouldn't read it that way the first time.
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September 6, 2017Beautifully organized and presented, the book follows in the steps of both of the "Alice" books and presents us with mathematical and artistic references and explanations that are speaking volumes on Carroll's appreciation of the linguistic and logical puzzles within the Victorian narrative, and of the Victorian narrative as such within the narrative of human development through the symbolic labyrinth of imagination. Reality was the greatest trick for Carroll and David Day is excellently drawing our attention to the domain of mastery of illusion and to the actual vitality of Alice who is an 'ideal' protagonist, or a discoverer of the inherent correspondence between the creative and the created intelligence. Alice is the 'history of mankind' in elation before the unity of all of the 'planes' of consciousness , she comes to outgrow the fragmentary limitations in language itself and therefore to integrate and merge all of the contradictions of logic and muthos within the thread of 'bios' - the triumph of living knowledge.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews