Alice im Wunderland (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 1865; vuoden 1967 painos)

It is a classic but i really didn't enjoy it very much. ( )

Having so recently seen prime examples and reprintings of Arthur Rackham's work, I found this edition to be rather disappointing. Clearly the printers his a poor job, since I know Rackham's line and colour to be much more delicately wrought than this! For shame, since Rackham was an artist who attempted to ensure that his work was printed with integrity, and it is clear that this reprint is not doing his memory justice! ( )

Arthur Rackham’s illustrated version of the Alice adventures may be my ultimate favourite, but this luscious edition illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt is a very close second. The book is oversized, so the full-page reproductions of Hildebrandt’s paintings reveal the lifelike details in his artistry as well as lets readers revel in the brightly coloured palette that he is known for. Each illustration depicts a scene from the book rather eloquently, utilizing details from the text to ensure a believable realism. Hildebrant’s layouts are a mix of stationary and more imaginative compositions, which strikes a careful balance between the more fantastical elements of the Alice story without becoming too strange. I’ve seen versions of the story which attempt either too much realism or head straight into chaos, but Hildebrant’s depictions utilize the same semi-realistic painterly techniques throughout to create a unity of image and flow to the narrative, even when depicting such strange scenes as Alice with the snake neck.

The accompanying text is laid out neatly alongside and edged with a golden border with inset playing card motifs, so even when we get a visual rest from the fullpage illustrations we’re still surrounded by glamour. Unlike most reworkings of classic novels and fairytales, there are often points where the illustrations don’t quite match up with the text, but I didn’t notice a single instance of this occurring while reading. The only thing I couldn’t quite tell was whether the text was abridged or not, as the copyright page did not mention that it was, but I also feel like the story can’t be contained in a mere 100 pages (even if they are oversized). Either way, it doesn’t really matter, since the main gist and whimsy of the original story was retained throughout, and Hildebrandt’s illustrations paired with it wonderfully. ( )

NA

In an effort to be acquainted (or re-acquainted) with some classic children's novels, I decided to listen to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It has been I'd guess at least 15 or 20 years since I saw the old movie, so the plot remained unspoiled for me, since I'd forgotten it completely. There were images and characters colored by the movie, but overall it was fresh. Before I go on, I want to heartily recommend the audiobook reading by Michael York. He is brilliant and has a different voice for every character. Second, he's from somewhere in the U.K. (presumably) and employs English accents from all over. If I could differentiate them, I imagine I'd be even more impressed.

That being said, I did not like the story. At the beginning I was intrigued and in wonder of such wild and mesmerizing creativity. Yet toward the end I just wished to be done with it. That is until the last wee bit. The ending (sorta) made the whole thing more worthwhile, I guess. My frustration is how absolutely queer the whole enterprise is. Practically every character is raving mad. I'm sure there are a hundred interpretations on the story's depth and insight to human nature. Yet, a secondary deeper meaning is necessary because the surface reading is simply bonkers.

All that being said, I happen to work as a case manager with folks who have serious mental illness, so delusions and hallucinations are a daily occurrence for me. Perhaps the crazy of Wonderland was too close to home or too accurate for those with bone fide psychosis. Second, my son is currently 5 months, but at some point, maybe in 5 years, I'd like to read him the story and see what he thinks. For this old man, it was too much.

Thank goodness it's short. A long adventure in wonderland would not be a classic. ( )