Lot Details

Description

Carroll Lewis (1832-1898). [Alice] nel Paese delle Meraviglie. Illustrato da Arturo Rackham. Fatto Italiano da Emma C. Cagli. Bergamo Istituto Italiano d'arti grafiche editore. 1908

First edition in italian language.

Large format edition of only 150 numbered copies.

Published in 1908 by the Istituto Italiano di Arti Grafiche under the title Nel Paese delle Meraviglie ("In the Land of Wonders"). The translation is by Emma Cagli, and the illustrations are by Arthur (Arturo) Rackham, the same ones featured in the 1907 Heinemann edition. In this case, the title is pared down to its essentials: the protagonist's name and the reference to adventures are omitted, leaving only the reference to the location. As Caterina Sinibaldi observes, in 1908 the name "Alice" was not common in Italy, and the decision to omit it from the title aimed to minimize unfamiliar elements for Italian readers (Sinibaldi 2008, 187).

The title page itself notes that the text has been "made Italian," clarifying the intention to domesticate it for an Italian and juvenile audience. In the introductory note, Cagli emphasizes the need to "replace" untranslatable wordplay. Similarly, the English nursery rhymes that Alice recites incorrectly in her dream are replaced in the translation with other poems that Italian children would easily recognize. For instance, instead of Isaac Watts' parody Against Idleness and Mischief (“How doth the little crocodile”), in the second chapter Alice recites a disjointed version of Luigi Salier’s La vispa Teresa (“The Lively Teresa”). The original opening poem is omitted and replaced by a moralistic composition by the translator, which includes references to other classic Italian childhood characters such as Giannetto, Pinocchio, and Ciondolino (Vagliani 1998, 67-68).

The book is illustrated with 50 watercolor reproductions in color, all protected by captioned tissue guards.

It features a publisher’s cloth binding with illustrations and gold lettering.

Dimensions

8° (10,71in x 7,68in). Large format edition of only 150 numbered copies.

Provenience

Private collection

Condition

Some spotting, general wear.

Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers must understand that any statement made by Coradi Rare Finds is merely a subjective opinion.