TALES THAT LIVE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 113, 9 November 1933, Page 17

TALES THAT LIVE

"A FOUNTAIN OF DELIGHT'

Can there be any literary achievement greater than that of writing a story which the children of the world agree to crown with the garland of immortality? • The tales of "Sinbad tho Sailor," "Cinderella," "Puss-in-Boots," ana "Bed Biding Hood" are so old that opinions now aiffcr as to what genius first told them (states an exchange). But there ara other more modern^ stories, which have become beloved of children the world over, other writers who have won the lasting affec : tion of the little people of every nationality. A memorial to Hans .Anderson was meted not long ago in his own birthplace. "Peter Pan," most loved creation of Barries. < genius, stands poised like an elfin figure enchanting the very air of Kensington Gardens. Now, another story, written only 71 years ago,'has proved'to be no less firmly established in the hearts of children., "Alice in Wonderland" is- its irame, and the actual Alice who inspired it a little girl who rambled over the sandhills of Llahdudno with a learned mathematician, is still living, a lady of 80. -■■.■•

Mr. Dodgson was the name of that mathematician, and, Alice Liddell, the daughter of Dean Liddell, was the name of his little companion. But the mathe-matician-poet became Lewis Carroll, and his prattling playmate is just Alice for all time. Very recently there was unveiled at Llandudno, Wales, a memorial to Lewis Carroll, and Mr. Lloyd George, wht performed the ceremony, well remarked that his books had become a bubbling fountain rof perentiia! delight to young; and-01d..-. They were a pure joy. There was not a germ in them of that poison that fermented mischief in life and character;

When one thinks of ',' Alice, in Wonderland," together with the' highspirited romance of Treasure Island, the nonsense of Edward Lear, and the fun and sparkle of the Savoy Operas, one has cause to wonder whether the Victorian age was really so dreary.