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Cover of The Story of Lewis Carroll: Told for Young People by the Real Alice in Wonderland

The Story of Lewis Carroll: Told for Young People by the Real Alice in Wonderland

Written by Isa Bowman

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Authors, EnglishCarroll, Lewis, 1832-1898

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About this book

"The Story of Lewis Carroll" by Isa Bowman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides an intimate glimpse into the life and personality of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who is better known as Lewis Carroll, through the eyes of Miss Isa Bowman, one of the children he famously befriended. The book recounts their experiences together and explores Carroll's relationships, his years at Oxford, and his unique character traits. At the start of the narrative, Bowman reflects on the difficulty of recounting the life of a cherished friend no longer with us. She shares her childhood memories of Carroll, portraying him as a kind-hearted professor who effortlessly combined whimsical storytelling with teaching, especially in mathematics. The opening section delves into personal anecdotes, highlighting their moments together in his Oxford home, peppered with tales and lessons infused with fun and growth. Through her perspective, readers begin to see Carroll not only as the author of "Alice in Wonderland" but also as a beloved figure who understood and cherished childhood innocence.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Story of Lewis Carroll: Told for Young People by the Real Alice in Wonderland, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 4 hours
  • intermediate
  • nostalgic
  • affectionate
  • whimsical

Isa Bowman's "The Story of Lewis Carroll" offers a tender, first-person account of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, through the eyes of one of his beloved child friends. Written in the late 19th century, the book provides an intimate and nostalgic glimpse into Carroll's private life, detailing his unique personality, his relationships with children, and his whimsical approach to teaching and storytelling. Bowman recounts personal anecdotes from her childhood spent with Carroll at Oxford, portraying him as a kind, eccentric professor who masterfully blended education with imaginative play. This memoir serves as a valuable, albeit subjective, historical document, illuminating the cherished bond between the author of "Alice in Wonderland" and the children who inspired him.

“It is hard to speak of one we have loved and lost, but harder still to let the memory fade without a word.”

Key themes

Childhood and Innocence
This theme explores Carroll's deep appreciation for and understanding of childhood. Bowman consistently portrays him as someone who not only enjoyed the company of children but also actively sought to preserve and nurture their innocence and imaginative capabilities, seeing it as a precious and fleeting state.
Memory and Nostalgia
The entire book is an act of memory and an expression of nostalgia. Bowman reflects on a cherished past and a beloved friend who is no longer present. The theme explores how personal memories shape our understanding of individuals and how the act of remembering can be both comforting and melancholic.
The Public vs. Private Persona
The book offers a unique glimpse into the private life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, often contrasting with the public image of 'Lewis Carroll.' Bowman's account reveals the man behind the pseudonym, showing his everyday habits, his personal interactions, and his true character as experienced by those closest to him, particularly children.

Worth discussing

How does Isa Bowman's perspective as a child friend shape our understanding of Lewis Carroll, compared to more academic biographies?

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