Charles Dodgson was the real name of Lewis Carroll, and he based the character of Alice on Alice Liddell, the daughter of his friend and colleague Henry Liddell. Dodgson was a mathematician, logician, and writer who incorporated elements of his interests and hobbies into his novel.
Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)
John Tenniel was the illustrator of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass. His illustrations are considered as iconic and influential as the text, and have been reproduced and adapted in various media. Tenniel was also a political cartoonist for Punch magazine, and some of his drawings reflect his satirical style and social commentary.
Aesop's Fables are a collection of ancient Greek stories featuring animals that convey moral lessons. Lewis Carroll was familiar with Aesop's Fables and referenced them in his novel. For example, the Mouse tells a dry and dull tale about a mouse and a crocodile, which is a parody of Aesop's The Mouse and the Lion. The Mock Turtle and the Gryphon also recite a distorted version of Aesop's The Tortoise and the Hare.
Thomas Babington Macaulay was a British historian, poet, and politician who wrote extensively on British and Indian history. Lewis Carroll parodied his style and content in the poem The Walrus and the Carpenter, which appears in Through the Looking-Glass. The poem is a satire of Macaulay's moralizing and imperialistic views, and also mocks his use of meter and rhyme.
Thomas Babington Macaulay
Isaac Watts was a British hymn writer and theologian who wrote popular and influential hymns and poems for children. Lewis Carroll spoofed his works in several places in his novels. For example, the poem How Doth the Little Crocodile, which Alice recites in the first chapter, is a parody of Watts' How Doth the Little Busy Bee. The poem Father William, which Alice recites to the Caterpillar, is a parody of Watts' The Old Man's Comforts and How He Gained Them.