‘Who are you?’ said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation.
Alice replied, rather shyly, ‘I hardly know, sir, just at present – at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.’
‘What do you mean by that?’ said the Caterpillar sternly. Explain yourself!’
‘I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir,’ said Alice, ‘because I’m not myself, you see.’
Illustration by Arthur Rackham
A character in my book is having one of those Alice moments.
When I thought about it a little, l had to admit, so do I.
Having discovered this wonderful 1907 edition of Alice in Wonderland among my books, illustrated by Arthur Rackham, I’ll outwit my writer’s block and re-read one of my favourite stories.
Course of Mirrors 
Re-reading a favorite is good remedy for writer’s block. I usually read Poe but Carroll’s Alice is another unalloyed pleasure. I’m envious that you have that Rackham edition.
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I’m enjoying the read now. The plates are beautiful, but the cover of my edition is scruffy. My library is in such disarray I do come upon treasures occasionally. Beautiful books are becoming precious. Their cover-designs and illustrations could turn me into a collector if I had the money and the time. I take it you’re a collector, Joe.
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Not a collector but I appreciate the great illustrators. I hope they continue to publish such volumes. The feeling that you own a physical book, especially a beautiful one, is special and hand-held devices swarming with electrons don’t give you that.
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I agree with you, J. F. A book that is held, smelled and treasured is received into deeper levels of memory, I think. Such books are strong landmarks in the map of my heart’s desire.
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I remember reading a book that belonged to my mother called ‘Goblin Market’ by Christina Rosetti, also illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Sadly, I have no idea wha happened to it, but those vivid illustrations have stayed with me to this day. Fabulous, and perfect for deflecting one’s mind from the task in hand.
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Thanks, Liz. The powerful impressions left by images I associate with stories from childhood always delights. I looked up abe books and found some Goblin Market editions with Rackham illustrations. Prices vary 🙂
http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?kn=Goblin+Market+with+A.+Rackham+illustrations&tn=Goblin+Market&x=60&y=14
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Those old books and illustrations can certainly be a source of inspiration. 🙂
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Ahhhh…don’t we just LOVE Arthur Rackham?! Dulac too…those illustrations are simply magical. I know I’m saving up to get some more originals… 😀 xx
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I know Sophie, magical. I imagine illustrations for my books, looks like Natasha is inspired. She did the goat for my goat story.
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yes, it is lovely to be able to go back and look at these lovely things, and how lucky you are to have this treasure.
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Every day I ask
What is this Soul
That looks out through my eyes –
I did not arrive here alone
and will not depart alone.
Whoever brought me here
Will have to take me home.
(Rumi’s Alice moments…)
…and Oh my goodness…so do I …so do I…
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One of the lovelies. Quite so 🙂
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