Children Grahame, Kenneth: The Wind in the Willows (illus-Rackham). v1. 16 Mar 2020

[GrannyGrump]

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932)
Illustrated by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939)


When Mole rebels and abandons the spring cleaning of his burrow, he little knows what the future holds. He soon meets the steady and practical Water Rat, then the impulsive and boastful Mr. Toad, and wise old Badger. Many new adventures await, from travels on the open road, to getting lost in a snowstorm in the Wild Wood, to simply “messing about in boats.” Along the way, Toad lands in jail for stealing a motorcar, and the four friends must do battle to reclaim Toad Hall from the invading weasels and stoats.

This book is a testament to the enduring bond of friendship and the charm in homely pleasures, and can be enjoyed by the young and the young-at-heart.
(Recommended for ages 9 to 90.)

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The Wind in the Willows, a classic of children’s literature, focuses on four animal characters in a pastoral version of Edwardian England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie; and celebrated for its evocation of the nature of the Thames valley.

In 1908 Grahame retired from his position as secretary of the Bank of England … and spent his time by the River Thames “simply messing about in boats.” He wrote down the bed-time stories he had been telling his son. The wayward headstrong nature he saw in his little son he transformed into the swaggering Mr. Toad, one of the book’s four principal characters. The book is still enjoyed by adults and children today, while Toad remains one of the most celebrated and beloved characters. The book has seen numerous adaptations for stage, film, radio, and television; inspired a number of sequels by other authors, and has won several awards.
(—adapted from Wikipedia)

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Arthur Rackham, celebrated Grand Master of the “Golden Age of Illustration,” regretted that he had declined the opportunity to illustrate this book when it was first published. This was his last project before his death in 1939. The depiction of Pan, for the chapter “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” is considered by some to be his masterpiece.

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The Wind in the Willows was first published in 1908. The Rackham edition was first published in 1940. The text of this book is in the public domain in countries where copyright is “Life+80” or less, and in the USA. Illustrations are in the public domain where copyright is “Life+80” or less.

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If this is your first reading of the ORIGINAL Wind in the Willows, you will love it. If you have read it before, you will still love it. If you are sharing it with a child, you have wonders awaiting you!

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