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Lewis Carroll Letter Points to Pedophile Leanings

Writes real Alice of his fondness for children

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 20, 2008 4:44 AM CST

(Newser) Alice in Wonderland's author is sending a message from the grave to the literary experts who have long wondered whether he was a pedophile. A privately held letter has emerged in which Lewis Carroll tells real-life Alice—a child friend 18 years his junior—about his fondness for kids and a preference for girls over boys, the Daily Mail writes.

The Oxford math don was good friends with Alice’s family until relations mysteriously cooled when she was 11. In the correspondence, written when Alice is 25, Carroll defends his fondness for children, particularly young girls whom he often photographed naked. The soon-to-be auctioned note provides a rare glimpse into the author’s shielded life.

Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland comes to the stage at the Scala Theatre, London, in 1944.
Lewis Carroll's "Alice In Wonderland" comes to the stage at the Scala Theatre, London, in 1944.   (Getty Images)
Real-life Alice was 11 years old when Carroll was 29. He told her stories she later begged him to write down.
Real-life Alice was 11 years old when Carroll was 29. He told her stories she later begged him to write down.   (Getty Images)
English mathematician, writer and photographer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll.
English mathematician, writer and photographer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
WhoKnows
Jun 30, 2012 1:03 PM CDT
Even if so, it doesn't mean that he ever touched her. Will wait for more information before forming an opinion. Love his imagination and writing!
johnstephendwyer
Mar 5, 2010 12:00 PM CST
It's not easy to judge a Victorian eccentric according to 21st century standards. Here's my analysis: http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/entertainment/movies/2010/03/alice-in-underwearland/
Guest
Sep 30, 2009 2:49 AM CDT
Whenever he moves into a new graveyard, he should be forced to notify everyone buried there that he is a pedophile.
 

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