July 4 is a special day for fans of fantasy and literature, particularly in the UK, as it marks the celebration of Alice in Wonderland Day. This day honors the world-renowned story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its beloved author, Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.
Born in Cheshire, England, Carroll was the third child and eldest son in his family. Like many of his siblings, he had a stammer, but he never allowed it to hinder his pursuits. Educated at home in his early years, Carroll displayed a strong aptitude for reading, delving into works like The Pilgrim’s Progress. He later attended Rugby School and went on to study at the prestigious University of Oxford. Excelling academically, he earned first-class honors in Mathematics Moderations and continued at Oxford as both a student and a lecturer.
Carroll began writing poetry and short stories from an early age. His work appeared in publications such as Miscmasch, the Whitby Gazette, and the Oxford Critic, earning him modest recognition. In 1856, Henry Liddell was appointed Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and moved there with his family—including his daughters Alice, Lorina, and Edith. The Liddell family became close friends with Carroll and had a lasting impact on his life and work.
Carroll often took the Liddell girls on rowing trips along the River Thames. During these outings, he would tell them imaginative stories to pass the time. One of these tales, featuring a curious young girl named Alice, captivated the children—especially Alice Liddell, who frequently asked him to retell it. In 1864, Carroll gave Alice a handwritten manuscript of the story as a Christmas gift. Encouraged by the positive reception, he published the book the following year, incorporating characters inspired by the Liddell sisters—Lorina became “Lory,” and Edith appeared as the “Eaglet.”
Over time, Carroll expanded the story to include iconic characters such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and many others, creating a whimsical world that continues to enchant readers of all ages.
celebrate the world of imagination and madness on Alice in Wonderland Day on July 4. The amazing fictional world, created by Lewis Carroll in 1865, is the telling of a young girl who faces worldly obstacles at a tender age. More than a century later, the book continues to enjoy popularity amongst the masses not only for its original story and characters but also because of the subsequent movies that have been made of it. People also enjoy other adaptations like theater performances as well as the numerous types of Alice in Wonderland merchandise available today. Apart from all the superb details related to the story, did you know that the titular character is based on a real-life person?