This year marks the 150th anniversary of one of the most influential children’s books of all time, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The book has inspired numerous films, plays and songs, and gave rise to an industry of children’s toys. Illinois State University English Professor Jan Susina recently returned from England’s Cambridge University where he lectured on the enduring legacy of Alice and her memorable companions, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat.

Susina spoke with WGLT’s Judy Valente.

Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland has never been out of print since its publication in 1865. It is one of the most translated works in literature. Lewis Carroll never married, but served as a kind of uncle to the children of many friends, but he never again achieved the closeness he once enjoyed with Alice Liddell and her family.