The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)

by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood

"The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)" by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood is a biographical account penned in the late 19th century. The memoir chronicles the life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, examining his upbringing, family background, education, and creative endeavors, focusing particularly on the complexities of his personality and the influences that shaped his literary legacy. At the start of the memoir, the author introduces the reader to Lewis Carroll's lineage, detailing the lives of his forebears, particularly in the context of their service in the church and education. The opening chapters also capture memories of Carroll's childhood in Daresbury, where he engaged in boyish pastimes amidst a mostly secluded environment. Early accounts of his schooling reveal both his learning tendencies and the initial struggles he faced, setting the stage for an exploration of how these formative experiences contributed to his later accomplishments as a writer and mathematician. As his life unfolds through the narrative, readers are presented with vivid anecdotes and reflections on his literary creations and his profound connections with children, hinting at the enchanting world he would later depict in works like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."