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ALS, one page both sides, 7 x 4.25, December 5, 1895. Handwritten letter to Gladys Baly, one of his many young child-friends. In full: "In one way I'm like the Old Woman that lives in a shoe—that is, I've got so many picture-books, I don't know what to do! So I've been looking through them, to see if there was one that perhaps you would care to have: because, if so, I'm sure more pleasure can be got out of it, by giving it to you, than by keeping it on my shelves. And I've found one, 'The Story of the Mer-maiden,' illustrated by Laura Troubridge. Please tell me if you happen to have the book already. If not, I'll send it you as a Christmas present. The pictures are by the same artist who illustrated 'Little Thumb,' & I think you will find many pretty figures among them, some of which perhaps you may like to copy." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Dodgson's own hand.
Dodgson has always been well-known for his love of children, hosting parties and picnics for them at his cottage. Though many believe that the writer's obsession with young girls was innocent, common and perfectly acceptable during his time, it remains a dubious subject. In this instance, he offers to send Gladys Baly—an eleven-year-old girl—the thoughtful Christmas gift of a picture book.
The Letters of Lewis Carroll, edited by Morton N. Cohen, offers Gladys's recollection of their relationship: 'Happy engrossing hours were those I spent with Mr. Dodgson, when he showed me tricks and puzzles and showed me how to make a paper pistol that would go off with a bang…I quite clearly recollect him taking Through the Looking-Glass out of a box of new books and giving it to me with his name written inside. He wrote to me many times after I left Eastbourne, although I never saw him again. In return I sent him drawings of ships and horses which, at that time, I was fond of making.'
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