The Hunting of the Snark

First published in 1876, this narrative nonsense poem follows a ship's company - Bellman, Baker, Beaver, Butcher, Barrister, Broker, Billiard-marker, Banker, Boots, and Bonnet-maker - who land on an island to hunt the Snark, a creature defined only by a list of traits. The Baker has been warned that some Snarks are Boojums, whose encounter means a hunter disappears without a trace. They chart by the Bellman's blank map, argue over rules, and hunt in pairs. The poem is comic quest verse in fits, not a novel and not a sequel that explains Alice.

Bound in white or plain pink cloth with a watercolour in four colours by Blake. Pale brown endleaves. Pale blue slipcase or glassine slipcase.