The White Rabbit as the Herald
From Carroll’s anonymous robes to Tenniel’s court garb
Carroll’s final drawing in the manuscript
In one of the last scenes in the manuscript (and published book), the White Rabbit discards his pocket watch and waistcoat and takes on the role of the Herald at the trial of the stolen tarts.
Lewis Carroll (1832–1898)
Alice’s Adventures Under Ground
Illustrated manuscript, completed 13 September 1864
© The British Library Board, Add MS46700
Tenniel’s final drawing
In the original manuscript, Carroll’s version of the White Rabbit as the Herald is clothed in robes with designs reminiscent of a generic playing card; Tenniel refines the outfit to place the Rabbit clearly in the court of the Queen of Hearts.
John Tenniel (1820–1914)
The White Rabbit as the Herald
Final drawing (graphite on paper), 1864-1865
Houghton Library, Harvard University. MS Eng 718.6 (5). Gift of Mrs. Harcourt Amory, 1927
Woodblock proofs
When the Dalziel brothers engraved Tenniel’s original design, they mistakenly cast the Rabbit’s gaze ahead. After printing the first proof (above), they spotted the error and recast his gaze askance as seen in the second proof (below).
John Tenniel (1820–1914)
The White Rabbit as the Herald
First and second state woodblock proofs, 1865
© The Trustees of the British Museum
The first edition
The published version is from the corrected woodblock. Carroll carefully designed this page so that the Rabbit’s announcement appears as a caption to Tenniel’s illustration of the same.
Image credit:
Lewis Carroll (1832—1898)
John Tenniel (1820—1914), illustrator
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
London: Macmillan, 1865
The Pierpont Morgan Library, New York. PML 352027.
Photography by Graham S. Haber 2014.