Julie Powell has chosen a fascinating book for Week 5 of the Cover Makeover Challenge — The Story of Alice: Lewis Carroll and The Secret History of Wonderland by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst. This is the original cover which I like enormously.
The reviews below are taken from Amazon.
“It is the ultimate book about Alice – comprehensive and scholarly, but so delightfully and elegantly written that it’s a true work of literature” (Jacqueline Wilson)
“The Story of Alice is the best book on the myriad enigmas of Carroll’s heart-breaking wonderland I have ever read” (Robert McCrum Observer)
“Superb…toweringly the best of the dozens of books on Carroll which I have read” (AN Wilson Financial Times)
“Douglas-Fairhurst is a startling and exciting writer” (A.S. Byatt Spectator)
“This is biography at its best” (Lyndall Gordon New Statesman)
“Magnificent” (5 Stars, Charlotte Heathcote Sunday Express)
“Fascinating ” (Book of the Week, Philip Collins Times)
I’ve done two versions this week. The one above uses Mr FND’s drawing (after Tenniel) of Alice and is, strictly speaking, a scene from Through the Looking Glass. Be that as it may, it works well. In fact, I prefer it to the second version which uses one of my earlier Alice images, which is a collage comprising a Carreras Cigarette Card from the 1930s with the facsimile of a page from Lewis Carrolls’ original manuscript published in an 1890s edition of Alice in Wonderland.
Click here for instructions if you would like to take part in future challenges.
Buy Alice at Zazzle US
Buy Alice at Zazzle UK
Take care and keep laughing!
First Night Design 
I love all things ‘Alice’ and so thank you for this one. I am off early the morning as am in the middle of a course at Hurlingham Club, Fulham. It’s an annual stint, which finishes next week….ahhhhhhhh:) Hope all is well and that you continue to keep smiling:):) Janet. xxx
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Bless you, Janet. I used to live round the corner from the Hurlingham. One side of the family are all members! I used to go and watch my mother’s cousin play bowls there when he was in his dotage! Keep smiling. xxx
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Even though I am not a member, I get to enjoy the beauty of the place. I have been giving courses there for about six years now…..keep smiling and have a lovely weekend…janet. xxx
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May laughter, hugs and hummingbirds envelop your weekend! xx
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Yay! I was waiting to see what you come up with………….love the B&W top version, brilliant – the drawing the font, so simple yet compelling
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Yes, I much prefer the top one and am so envious of Mr FND’s ability to draw! Thank you, Julz.
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I like both although the first one catches one’s attention. And I agree the typography is fabulous. I think both of yours are better than the original. 🙂
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You sweetheart, Olga!
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Both wonderful!
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Much thanks!
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I have to say that I think all three covers are very good. Mr FND has captured the spirit of the original illustrations perfectly, and the author/publisher’s cover lends a mysterious air to the story. The use of the manuscript and cigarette card is perhaps my favourite though, as it provides that ‘vintage’ look that I associate with those books.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I’m now preening with pride. Thanks, Pete!
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This is superb work. Great flow and dynamism
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Bless you, Rajiv!
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I agree with the previous commenter who said both of yours are better than the original. The original is a lovely illustration, but it doesn’t give the sense of literary importance like yours do.
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Thanks so much, Ruth – you’re a doll.
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It is interesting to see all three of the artistic expressions of the same story! It so depends on what you want to show! I love them all for different reasons!
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Thanks, Syd!
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