Books

2008 First Thus. Fine Hardback. No inscriptions or bookplates. Near Fine solander box. Very slight rubbing to edge of solander box. Strictly limited to only 1,000 copies of which this is number 427. Vellum quarter binding blocked in 22-carat gold. New etching hand-printed, signed and numbered by the artist, and tipped onto a special limitation page of thick laid paper. Around 100 illustrations by Charles van Sandwyk, with 16 tipped-in colour plates. Presented in a cloth-bound solander box. Gilded top edge; 280 pages; 13" x 9.75" The Folio Society is delighted to mark the 100th anniversary of The Wind in the Willows with a superb limited edition. Hand-bound in quarter vellum, with newly commissioned illustrations by Charles van Sandwyk, this will be the definitive collectors' edition, limited to 1,000 copies only. The Wind in the Willows was first published in October 1908, to relatively little fanfare. It was only after it was illustrated, first by Ernest Shepard and later Arthur Rackham, that Kenneth Grahame's book began to attract the acclaim it deserved. In 2005 Charles van Sandwyk's illustrations for The Folio Society's prize-winning edition of The Wind in the Willows continued this tradition of fine illustration. His work won favourable comparisons with Shepard and Rackham rare indeed for a contemporary artist. Every aspect of the original Folio edition has been revisited to produce a new and splendid book. A wealth of new llustrations have been created by Charles van Sandwyk, and the book now contains 16 colour plates, all tipped in by hand, with gold edges and exquisite gold borders. Forty new pen-and-ink drawings have been added, including chapter heads and tails, as well as charming hand-drawn captions. New endpapers showing an architectural plan of Toad Hall have been printed by letterpress. Turning each glowing, beautiful page, we absorb every enchanting aspect of the story whether it's the cosy warmth of Badger's kitchen, Toad's comical disguise as a washerwoman, or Ratty and Mole on the river, 'messing about in boats'. Traditional craftsmanship and the highest production standards make this an edition unrivalled by any other available today. Each copy contains a limitation spread with a tipped-in etching, hand-printed under the artist's supervision and signed by him with the limitation number. The calligraphy has been printed letterpress by the Logan Press. Each volume, measuring 13" x 9.75", is handbound in quarter vellum, blocked on the spine in 22-carat gold, with vellum tips and paper sides blocked in three shades of metallic foil. The volume is presented in a cloth-bound solander box. UK Postage �3.40; Airmail to USA and Canada �44.40; Airmail to most of the Rest of the World (including the EU), �44.40.

"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame is a classic children's novel published in 1908, capturing the adventures of anthropomorphic animals living along the riverbank. The story follows the lives of four main characters: Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, as they navigate the idyllic English countryside, facing various challenges and learning important life lessons along the way. The narrative begins with Mole, a gentle and timid creature, growing tired of his spring cleaning and venturing outside his burrow for the first time. He meets Rat, a water-loving, wise, and adventurous creature, who introduces him to the joys of the river. Mole is immediately enchanted by Rat's way of life and the beauty of the riverbank. Together, Mole and Rat embark on numerous adventures, exploring the river and surrounding countryside. They encounter various characters, both friendly and hostile, including Otter, Badger, and the eccentric Toad. Throughout their escapades, the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the appreciation of nature are prominent. Toad, the wealthy and impulsive aristocrat, is a central figure whose reckless behavior often leads to trouble for himself and his friends. He becomes obsessed with the latest fads and crazes, including motorcars, which he drives recklessly and eventually gets imprisoned for. Toad's friends, especially Rat and Mole, try to help him overcome his vices and regain control of his life. Badger, the wise and reclusive elder of the group, provides guidance and support to the other characters, especially during times of crisis. His burrow serves as a sanctuary and a place of wisdom where the friends gather for counsel and companionship. As the story progresses, the friends face various challenges, including encounters with menacing weasels and stoats who threaten their peaceful way of life. Through courage, resourcefulness, and teamwork, they overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger as a community. The novel is not just a series of adventures but also a celebration of the English countryside and the simple pleasures of life. Grahame's vivid descriptions of the natural world evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes and the joys of companionship. Ultimately, "The Wind in the Willows" is a timeless tale that emphasizes the importance of friendship, loyalty, and the enduring bond between individuals who share a love for nature and adventure. It continues to captivate readers of all ages with its charming characters, enchanting settings, and timeless themes.