Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

Dreaming in Pictures: The Photography

lewis carroll douglas r. nickel

... Show More
Lewis Carroll was the pen-name of the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, the author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and other beloved children's books. But before achieving fame as an author, Carroll was a prolific and sophisticated photographer, acutely engaged in the art world of Victorian England. This illustrated volume examines Carroll's photographs not as the sideline of a celebrated writer, but as the creations of a serious photographic artist, and demonstrates their importance to the history of photography. Douglas Nickel traces the evolution in thought about Carroll's photography in the period since his death, demonstrating the ways it has been viewed largely through the filter of his literary reputation. Key to this have been certain preconceptions built up around Carroll's attitudes toward children, especially Alice Liddell, the inspiration for his first book and the subject of a number of his photographs. Nickel demonstrates how, by overturning the modern myths that have attached themselves to Carroll's photography, the works themselves can be seen again as they were by their original Victorian viewers. This analysis is designed to reveal not only Carroll's signal achievement in the medium, but also a new understanding of Victorian art photography in general.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2001

This edition

Format
168 pages, Hardcover
Published
August 1, 2002 by Yale University Press
ISBN
9780300091694
ASIN
0300091699
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for lewis carroll

lewis carroll

... Show More
The Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by the pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English author, mathematician, logician, Anglican clergyman and photographer.

His most famous writings are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass as well as the poems "The Hunting of the Snark" and "Jabberwocky", all considered to be within the genre of literary nonsense.

Oxford scholar, Church of England Deacon, University Lecturer in Mathematics and Logic, academic author of learned theses, gifted pioneer of portrait photography, colourful writer of imaginative genius and yet a shy and pedantic man, Lewis Carroll stands pre-eminent in the pantheon of inventive literary geniuses.

He also has works published under his real name.

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(4.4 / 5.0, 9 votes)
5 stars
5(56%)
4 stars
3(33%)
3 stars
1(11%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
9 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
missbtob
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Astonishing and fascinating. These two words perfectly describe the world we live in. Every day, we are presented with new and amazing things that leave us in awe.

From the natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon and the Northern Lights, to the technological advancements that have changed the way we live, there is no shortage of astonishing and fascinating things to discover.

The human mind is also a source of endless fascination. Our ability to think, create, and imagine is truly remarkable. We have the power to dream up new ideas and bring them to life, whether it's through art, science, or innovation.

In conclusion, the world is full of astonishing and fascinating things waiting to be explored. By keeping an open mind and a sense of curiosity, we can continue to discover the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Freeze_Ray
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
I liked it, although I think it could have been better. After all, it's Carroll.

Sometimes it's a bit repetitive, but that doesn't mean his stories aren't enjoyable. The problems are indeed a hassle. I read them quickly in fact, but there will be time for calculations and all that.

Carroll's works often have a unique charm. His creativity and imagination are truly remarkable. Even though there may be some repetitiveness, it doesn't overshadow the overall appeal of his stories.

The problems he presents can be challenging, but they also add an element of excitement and engagement. Solving them requires thinking outside the box and using one's logical skills.

Overall, I still appreciate Carroll's work and look forward to exploring more of his stories in the future.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Huntermynameuf
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

A must for Lewis Carroll fans!


I wasn't aware that he was a photographer. This newfound knowledge provides an interesting perspective on the renowned author.


Lewis Carroll is widely known for his classic works of literature, such as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." However, his talent extended beyond the written word.


As a photographer, Carroll captured images that likely offered a unique window into his creative mind and the world around him. His photographs may have influenced his writing, or vice versa.


Exploring Carroll's photography adds another layer to our understanding of this complex and talented individual. It allows us to see him from a different angle and appreciate his artistic abilities in a new light.


Whether you're a die-hard Carroll enthusiast or simply curious about his life and work, delving into his photography is sure to be a fascinating and rewarding experience.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
MythicalMid
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book delves deep into Carroll's/Dodgson's intense passion for photography.

It not only discusses the enigma that surrounded his personality but also explores the intricate intertwining of his passion and his character.

The text offers valuable insights into the man himself. His photographs are not only technically superb but also artistically outstanding, extracting expressiveness from his subjects in a remarkable way.

Take, for example, Alice Liddell, the so-called 'original' Alice. In his photographs, she appears preternaturally mature.

A book dedicated solely to her would无疑 be absolutely fascinating, uncovering the many layers of her relationship with Carroll/Dodgson and the role she played in his life and work.

Such a book could potentially shed new light on the complex and often mysterious world that Carroll/Dodgson inhabited.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
jfc22
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Lewis Carroll (whose real name was Charles Dodgson) scholarship is rife with some of the most peculiar controversies I've come across. This is mainly because it bucks the typical trend of hero worship and denial in the name of "genius." The currently accepted consensus is that Dodgson was a pedophile, albeit perhaps celibate, a claim that has been repeated by biographers and historians since the 1990s. However, there are outliers who have challenged these theories. Mostly, this is because Dodgson's siblings destroyed any evidence of his sexuality and adult misbehaviors (letters were burned, journals were mutilated), leaving little more than his correspondence and praise regarding children, which was quite fashionable during the Victorian era.

Strangely enough, there is no conclusive evidence that Dodgson sexually abused anyone. But as time has passed, this new and controversial reputation has been exploited for shock value and ratings. During the BBC documentary The Secret World of Lewis Carroll, the filmmakers presented what they believed to be a photograph Dodgson took of a nude Lorina Liddell. However, I have seen numerous photographs of Lorina and am certain it wasn't her in that picture. Moreover, there was scant to no proof that the photo actually came from Dodgson's archives. Just because someone had scrawled Lorina's name on the back, it was considered sufficient evidence. So, there we have it: another myth that seems unlikely to fade away anytime soon.

This book features actual photographs from Dodgson's career as a photographer. Douglas R. Nickel has written an in-depth essay that provides context for these images, from their literary references to their staging and choice of props. Given what we know, don't know, and are most likely never going to know about Dodgson's life, the mystery only deepens. He took thousands of photographs, and it's estimated that half of them were of children. Nearly all of them are noted in his diaries, often taken during visits with friends, co-workers, and contemporaries. This leads me to think that if Dodgson had something to hide, he probably wouldn't be documenting all of this. But then again, who can really say?

Certainly, it might seem odd to have children leaning against walls or lying on divans for their portraits. But having a good understanding of the early days of photography, I realize it might have been the only way to get a picture of them holding still, and even then, there was a chance of failure. Another point worth mentioning is that the content of these photos isn't significantly different from those taken by others at the time, including the prolific and famous Julia Margaret Cameron. Should Cameron be regarded as a pedophile for taking similar photographs, or should she be exempt because she is female and Dodgson is male? When it comes to this and many other questions raised about these photographs, it's clear that this debate is far from over.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
DYED
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
The author provides evidence that recontextualizes Carroll's (Dodgson's) photographs within the cultural framework of the Victorian era, rather than in contemporary terms.

This approach enables a significantly less negative and victimizing understanding of the works.

By looking at these photographs through the lens of the Victorian times, we can better appreciate the social, cultural, and artistic norms that prevailed during that period.

For example, the Victorian era had specific ideas about childhood, beauty, and photography.

Understanding these ideas can help us to see Carroll's photographs in a new light and to recognize the artistic merit and cultural significance that they hold.

In addition, this reframing can also help to challenge some of the modern-day assumptions and biases that we may have about these works.

Overall, the author's use of the cultural frame of the Victorian times provides a more nuanced and accurate interpretation of Carroll's photographs.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
rc10234
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Nickel delves deep into the exploration of Carroll's personal life.

He does this by closely examining Carroll's photograph collection and also delving into the historical background of the Victorian age.

Here, Nickel presents a strong argument. He contends that Carroll's pictures and his enthusiasm for photographing children, in particular, do not in any way lend support to the theory that Carroll was a pedophile.

Nickel carefully explains the common trends that prevailed both in photography and in the way children were perceived during that specific time period.

He further claims that current viewers are hindered by the modern-day fears and concerns regarding our children.

After Nickel's in-depth discussion, several of Carroll's pictures are showcased, along with a more detailed look at those who were photographed.

Both captivating and highly informative, Nickel poses thought-provoking questions to the reader about the real Dodgson and Carroll's fabled persona.

All the while, he urges the reader to consider how the information surrounding Carroll actually came into existence and what it truly implies.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
AmissArcher
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

A rare book in which Carroll's passions are condensed: photographing young girls, literature, and mathematics. I absolutely loved the text that gives the book its name. I'll keep that.

This unique book offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex and diverse interests of Carroll. His penchant for photographing young girls, along with his deep love for literature and mathematics, is vividly presented within its pages. The text that serves as the book's title is truly captivating, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

It makes one wonder about the connections Carroll saw between these seemingly disparate elements. Perhaps his photographic work inspired his literary creations, or vice versa. And how did his mathematical mind influence his other pursuits? This book invites us to explore these questions and more, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this remarkable author.

0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.