Helpful Score: 1
Although the book implies that this is specifically about Alice Liddell, it is really only about the photograph of her as the beggar girl that Dodgson had taken of her, and of Dodgson's photography in general, in addition to a brief history of photography. Unfortunately,however, that is the only photo in the book---especially since it is constantly being compared to the other picture that had been taken of Alice that day in which she was in typical (and formal) VictoriaN attire. It is also later mentioned that Alice had posed for a similar picture years later for Julia Margaret Cameron, but again it is not shown.
I think that the author over rates her book in the suggestions for further reading section by stating that it: "adds minutely to the patina of knowledge".
Very little new information is contained in it at all.
I think that the author over rates her book in the suggestions for further reading section by stating that it: "adds minutely to the patina of knowledge".
Very little new information is contained in it at all.
Disappointing 'bio' of Charles Dodgson, pen name Lewis Carroll, famous for writing the 2 'Alice' books which have spawned a plethora of cartoons and movies, including the upcoming sequel "Through the Looking Glass'.
The book keeps teasing you, making you think it's going to thoroughly investigate the rumors that Dodgson had 'feelings' for little girls-- with most evidence based upon all the time he spent with young children, including much time photographing them. But the book turns into a complete history of the 'new' hobby or career of photography. It even details who or what appeared in Dodgson's numbered photos but fails to share any of them but the provokingly revealing one of a young Alice Liddell.
For those looking for a good read about the Liddell family or Alice who inspired the Wonderland stories, look elsewhere.
The book keeps teasing you, making you think it's going to thoroughly investigate the rumors that Dodgson had 'feelings' for little girls-- with most evidence based upon all the time he spent with young children, including much time photographing them. But the book turns into a complete history of the 'new' hobby or career of photography. It even details who or what appeared in Dodgson's numbered photos but fails to share any of them but the provokingly revealing one of a young Alice Liddell.
For those looking for a good read about the Liddell family or Alice who inspired the Wonderland stories, look elsewhere.
when one spends a great deal of time with creative sorts, one finds oneself collecting certain phrases; phrases that sound like compliments but are not exactly lies if a compliment is not deserved. There's is the quintessential "What an interesting painting!" but that's old hat and too easily seen through. One moves on to such words as "spectacular" (after all, a train wreck IS a spectacle) and "I am so impressed that you got that published!"
On the back of this book, as one of the blurbs, there is a masterpiece of the genre I speak of. "An extraordinary tale, and Simon Winchester could not have told it better"
This is accurate. Sadly, there are many other folks who COULD have told it better.
On the back of this book, as one of the blurbs, there is a masterpiece of the genre I speak of. "An extraordinary tale, and Simon Winchester could not have told it better"
This is accurate. Sadly, there are many other folks who COULD have told it better.
