The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony, in Eight Fits

Name: The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony, in Eight Fits
Author: Lewis Carroll

A whimsical nonsense poem recounts an ill-fated sea voyage by a motley crew assembled to hunt a mysterious creature called the Snark. In eight numbered fits the expedition follows absurd orders, consults a blank map, and stages comic, didactic episodes featuring a Bellman, a Baker, a Beaver, a Banker and other eccentric figures. The narrative blends mock-heroic catalogues, riddling language, playful wordplay, and surreal digressions, building to an abrupt, unsettling finale when the sought creature proves to be a dangerous Boojum. Recurrent themes include the inversion of logical authority, the limits of instruction, and the delights of linguistic invention.

By Lewis Carroll

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About the Author

Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer, mathematician, and logician, best known for his whimsical and imaginative tales. His most famous work, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," published in 1865, has captivated readers with its surreal narrative and playful use of language. Carroll's unique blend of fantasy and logic is also evident in his other writings, such as "Through the Looking-Glass" and "A Tangled Tale." Beyond fiction, he contributed to the fields of mathematics and photography, leaving a lasting impact on both literature and academia. His works continue to inspire adaptations and interpretations across various media.