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8vo. 7 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. (190 x 120 mm). pp. [1] + viii + 302 + i. Laid paper, deckle edges, t.e.g. With a captioned frontispiece, "And a River went out of Eden," on coated paper after a pen-and-ink drawing by Walford Graham Robertson (1866-1948); tissue guard. Original blue-green cloth with gilt illustration on the spine (Toad dressed in a driving outfit and goggles) and upper cover (Pan playing flute to Rat and Mole by the river) and a single gilt rule on the upper cover. In the second issue publisher's pictorial peach-color dust jacket printed in black with a price of 7/6 instead of 6/-. The spine of the dust jacket slightly darkened but in excellent condition with a couple of small tears at head expertly repaired on the verso; scattered foxing and discoloration to dust jacket and pages, wear to spine edges consistent with age. [Grolier: One Hundred Books Famous in Children's Literature, no. 61; Osborne I, p. 349; Hunt p. 45 & 66; Hahn, D. Oxford Companion to Children's Literature, p. 241-242]. This is the FIRST EDITION with the SCARCE DUST JACKET of one of the essential classics of children's literature. The book is based on bedtime stories that the Scottish-born banker and author Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) told his young son Alistair, who was sickly and nicknamed "Mouse." The stories began when Alistair was 4 and continued in a series of letters that the father wrote to his son while traveling. When Grahame retired as the Secretary of the Bank of England in 1908 due to ill health. Aware of the potential for a fuller treatment, Grahame took the letters, which deal with Mr. Toad's adventures escaping from prison and conclude with his return to the society of Ratty, Mole, and Badger and the battle for Toad Hall, and converted them into the finished work. What emerged was no lighthearted story about a countryside community of animals but a long and ramifying fable. The book was bulky and had no illustrations, so the London publisher, Algernon Methuen, put it on his adult rather than juvenile list, stirring confusion and arguments among the readers and critics. (One Hundred Books Famous in Children's Literature, p. 210) Nonetheless, The Wind in the Willows flourished and the adventures of the "bad, low animal," Mr. Toad, grew in popularity. The novel had seen over 30 printings when A. A. Milne adapted part of it for the stage as 'Toad of Toad Hall' in 1929. The first film adaptation was produced in 1949 by Walt Disney as one of two segments in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Numerous adaptations in film and television have followed since.

"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.