Beloved British author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, better known by his pen name, Lewis Carroll (1832-1898). ALS signed "C. L. Dodgson," one page both sides, 7 x 4.5, March 4, 1897. Letter to Mrs. Mallam. In full: "Do you not think it would be as well that you should yourself know, by personal experience, what sort of place it is to which you allow your sweet little daughter to be taken for tea? Now that I have, for some years, declined all invitations out, I still get some society, by giving 'tete-a-tete' dinner-parties to lady friends, sometimes young ladies in their 'teens,' & sometimes older, & sometimes married ladies. If this is not too far for your walking-powers, & if I might escort you down at about 6 p.m. any day that suits you (I have no engagement on hand) it would give me much pleasure. My parties are 'morning-dress' always, & I escort my guest home at 11, or later, or earlier, as they prefer. The nocturnal walk I particularly like. I am grateful to Mr. Ragg for introducing me to Ursula. She seemed to like being here, & I rather think she wouldn't object to come again." In very good condition, with intersecting folds and a moderate area of toning to lower portion of letter, lightly touching the beginning portion of the signature, but not affecting any readability.
The "sweet little daughter" in question here was Ursula Mallam, the child of Alice and James Thomas Mallam, an Oxford estate agent and auctioneer. Throughout his life, Dodgson had a strong need for love and attention, and relished the pure and innocent attention afforded him by young girls, even though, by her own admission, young Miss Mallam found the author to be overly sentimental and 'soppy.' His popularity with children also provided the author with a social asset when it came to making adult friends. Upon being accepted by a child, Dodgson found it easier to be accepted by the child's family and open the door for social invitations, such as the dinner invitation offered here. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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