by Lewis Carroll

Inspired by a boating excursion in 1862, Lewis Carroll's famous story Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was originally intended only to entertain three of his friends, who were children. The author set the oral story down in print so that the children might have it on hand to read for themselves. After showing it to another writer, Carroll was finally persuaded to publish his book. With the help of an illustrator, Sir John Tenniel, the author created his popular novel. Due to its fantasy setting, the only historical references in the work are those which pertain to Carroll's own times.

Events in History at the Time of the Novel

Queen Victoria (1819-1901). Victoria ascended to the British throne in 1837, after her uncle, King William IV, died without leaving a direct heir. At the time of her coronation, the English people had...