The Game of Logic.

Inscribed by the author, with an accompanying letter

Second (first published) edition. Presentation copy, with an accompanying letter, inscribed by the author "Bessie Badcock, from the Author. Feb. 23, 1894." With the board and original envelope each additionally inscribed, "Bessie Badcock, from L.C." Together with an autograph letter signed ("C. L. Dodgson") to Bessie Badcock presenting this copy, also dated 23 February 1894: "My dear Bessie, I feel vexed about your disappointment in not being able to go on with the Logic Class, & I hope this may make up for it a little. You will find the first few pages easy, I think: & perhaps it will help you to know whether you are likely to care to learn the subject. As there are more than 40 years between our ages, perhaps you won't be offended if I sign myself, yours affectionately, C. L. Dodgson." Dodgson was 62 at the time of writing, making Bessie probably around 20 years old - too young for his "Lewis Carroll" signature (although interestingly he does sign both the envelope and board "L.C.") The text is not in Letters. She may have been a member of the Badcock family, furniture-makers, of Oxford. In a letter of 12 June 1883 to J. R. Dasent, Dodgson makes reference to a Messrs Badcock, whom he recommends for making the legs for a slab of elm given to Christ Church to be made into a table for the Common Room (see Letters, pp. 497-8).