Books

First English edition. With a frontispiece by Graham Robertson. Original cloth, lettered and decorated in gilt, top edge gilt. Inscribed by the author, in the month of publication, 'Miss Rose M. Bradley, with kindest remembrances, from Kenneth Grahame, Oct. 1908'. Spine slightly worn at very head and tail, and slightly rubbed at edges, fore-edge of free endpaper slightly nicked and crumpled, else a very good copy. An excellent association copy. Youngest daughter of the Dean of Westminster, and niece of the Dean of St. Paul's, Rose Marian Bradley was the author of 'Children at Play' and 'The English Housewife in the 17th and 18th Centuries.' Following her death in September 1948, her obituary in the 'Times' noted that she had helped to make the deanery 'a centre of brilliant intellectual and social life', and that she was later awarded an O.B.E. for her war work. 'But it is for her personal qualities that she is best remembered', her obituarist wrote. 'Her high courage and unselfishness throughout a long life never failed: a subtle and astringent wit were only matched by unobtrusive sympathy and kindness.' Eight years his junior, Bradley was also a long-standing friend of Grahame and acted as a close confidante throughout his courtship of Elspeth Thomson, whom he married in 1899. Indeed it was to Bradley, rather than his fiancée, that he gave an engagement ring before his marriage. 'Elsie refuses to have anything to do with an engagement ring of any sort', Grahame wrote to Bradley. 'I respect unconventionality of any kind too much to even protest. But I do feel that there ought to be a ring in the business somewhere - to appease the gods - and circumstances seem to mark you out for it clearly. So I hope that you will not refuse to accept the one I am sending along with this. It is of no value, unless it will sometimes remind you of a friendly action - and if you do friendly things you must put up with being reminded of them.' In her biography of Grahame, Alison Prince remarks: 'Quite what Miss Bradley had done to merit such a sensitive expression of gratitude remains a mystery.' This first English edition was preceded by an American edition, published four days earlier, in a non-pictorial cloth binding. Though, freakishly, another example is on the market as I catalogue this, inscribed copies are decidedly rare.

"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.