Alice, Curiouser and Curiouser

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is a cultural phenomenon. First published in 1865, it has never been out of print and has been translated into 170 languages. But why does it have such enduring and universal appeal for both adults and children?
Beginning by plunging the reader into the spectacular new wonderland of acclaimed illustrator Kristjana J. Williams, Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser goes on to explore how Lewis Carroll’s celebrated Alice books have fuelled creative minds for over 150 Years. This unique publication takes us on a journey whose scope ranges from art, literature, theatre and film through science and technology to fashion and politics, encouraging us to ask whether we should all try to be more like Alice.

"Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser will chart how the mind-bending tale of a little girl who discovers a fantasy world after falling down a rabbit hole has evolved beyond the page, inspiring artworks, ballets, songs, films and fashion." --Vogue

"The V&A has revealed that the original concept art for Disney's 1951 animated version will feature, alongside John Tenniel's original drawings for the book's first edition." --Time Out

"Walt Disney himself once said "no story in English literature has intrigued me more than Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland," and his fondness of the original tale went onto to inspire a magical animated spectacular of the same name." Bustle

'This playful and visually stunning tome investigates the Alice phenomenon and includes dreamy illustrations and quotes from a host of aficionados...' Australian Women's Weekly

'As Alice herself once said: "what is the use of a book without pictures or conversation?" This book provides plenty of the former while encouraging, I'm sure, much of the latter.' --Antonino Tati, Cream Magazine, October 2020

Kate Bailey is Senior Curator of Design and Scenography in the Theatre and Performance Department at the V&A. Simon Sladen is Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Performance in the Theatre and Performance Department at the V&A. Kristjana S. Williams is an Icelandic-born artist who works in London.