CARROLL, Lewis (pseudonym of DODGSON, Charles Lutwidge (1832-1898)). Sylvie and Bruno [and] Sylvie and Bruno Concluded. London: Macmillan and Co., 1889, 1893. 8vos. Each title illustrated with 46 illustrations by Harry Furniss. [xxiv], [1]-400, [3, ads], [1, blank]; [xxxii], [1]-[425], [5, ads] pp. Handsomely bound by the Scroll Club in early twentieth-century full red levant morocco, spines lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, gilt board edges and turn-ins, tan paper endleaves, all edges gilt, cloth bound-in at rear. FIRST EDITIONS, PRESENTATION COPIES, EACH INSCRIBED BY CARROLL TO HIS COUSIN AND THE INSPIRATION FOR "THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS," ALICE WILSON-FOX. Carroll has inscribed on the half-title of Sylvie and Bruno in purple ink: "Alice Wilson Fox from her old friend the Author [flourish] Jan. 8. 1890." And he has inscribed on the half-title of Sylvie and Bruno Concluded in black ink: "Alice Wilson Fox, with the Author's affectionate regards. [flourish] Dec. 27, 1893." 

While Alice Liddell is commonly regarded as the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, Wilson-Fox (née Raikes, 1870-1958) claimed that its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, was inspired by a series of conversations she had with her cousin, Carroll (Dodgson). Carroll would frequently visit her family, the Raikes. 

"As children, we lived in Onslow Square and used to play in the garden behind the houses. Charles Dodgson used to stay with an old uncle there, and walk up and down, his hands behind him, on the strip of lawn. One day, hearing my name, he called me to him, saying, 'So you are another Alice. I'm very fond of Alices. Would you like to come and see something which is rather puzzling?' We followed him into his house which opened, as ours did, upon the garden, into a room full of furniture with a tall mirror standing across one corner. 'Now' he said, giving me an orange, 'first tell me which hand you have got that in.' 'The right,' I said. 'Now," he said, 'go and stand before that glass and tell me which hand the little girl you see there has got it in.' After some perplexed contemplation, I said, 'The left hand.' 'Exactly,' he said, 'and how do you explain that?' I couldn't explain it, but seeing that some solution was expected, I ventured, 'If I was on the other side of the glass, wouldn't the orange still be in my right hand?' I can remember his laugh. 'Well done, little Alice,' he said. 'The best answer I've had yet.' I heard no more then, but in after years was told that he said that had given him his first idea for Through the Looking-Glass, a copy of which, together with each of his other books, he regularly sent me." (Wilson-Fox in The Times, January 22, 1932).

Spines toned, joints a bit worn, hinges just starting, text a bit toned, some offsetting to free endpapers, occasional minor soiling in text. Still, fine. Housed in modern black cloth slipcase.