First editions of both items. Original printed wrappers. Author's presentation copy, inscribed to Mabel Burton, "Mabel Burton from the Author. July 10, 1890." The Postage-Stamp Case, a bi-fold card containing twelve sewn in tabs to contain different denominations of stamps, colour lithographic images of Alice and the Cheshire Cat to covers. In slipcase, mirroring the design of the covers. Also inscribed to Mabel Burton, "M.B. from C.L.D. Ap. 4. 1890." Minor wear to the head of the spine of Wise Words, otherwise near fine. The Postage-Stamp Case is in near fine condition and apparently unused.

Fine association copies of two pieces of Carroll eccentriciana. Carroll recorded his first meeting with the eight year old Mabel in his diary entry of 16 August 1877,
"Went on the pier in the evening, and made another fortunate acquaintance… my new friend is Mabel Amy Burton, of 53 Pentonville Road, Islington. She seems to be about 8… Mabel herself is entirely charming, and without an atom of shyness: I never became friends with a child so easily or so quickly.".
However, unlike with the majority of young girls Carroll befriended, with whom relations were fleeting, Mabel and Carroll kept a regular and extensive correspondence, lasting most of the rest of his life, taking Mabel way beyond the age of child which appealed to Carroll and into adulthood.
The Stamp Case and Wise Words were both a commercial success and reprinted several times over the following twenty years. As a consequence, copies can be easily found in commerce, however the first issues of both are rare. It is likely that the Stamp-Case was initially sent out as a sample as all presentation copies (there are four known including this one) are dated before the proposed publication date of July 1890, when the two publications were issued together in a pink envelope forming the second printing. The first printing of the Stamp Case is distinguishable by the lack of imprint on the slipcase and Wise Words by the adverts.

Williams et al - The Lewis Carroll Handbook 223, 224

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