Books

First UK edition, number 176 of 500 copies. This is the hundredth edition of Grahame's timeless classic, originally published in 1908, and features an introduction by A. A. Milne, together with Arthur Rackham's illustrations. Rackham's illustrations for the text first appeared in the Limited Editions Club edition of 1940; it was the last work he illustrated. "During his last illness Rackham worked on illustrations to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, a book for which he had a strong affection, and which he had longed for years to illustrate. The resulting pictures (the edition was published posthumously in 1940) are among his most affecting works, replete with wit, invention, and carefully controlled emotion" (ODNB). Milne's biographer, Ann Thwaite, notes that The Wind in the Willows "was a book that would mean a great deal to him", that Milne would use whether someone had read it as "a test of character", and that he "was always pressing it on his friends". In 1919 Milne wrote that "usually I speak about it at my first meeting with a stranger. It is my opening remark, just as yours is something futile about the weather. If I don't get it in at the beginning, I squeeze it in at the end. The stranger has got to have it some time." Indeed, E. H. Shepard, the artist who drew Winnie-the-Pooh, reported that one of the first questions Milne asked him was whether he had read The Wind in the Willows. In the introduction to the present edition Milne First UK edition, number 176 of 500 copies. This is the hundredth edition of Grahame's timeless classic, originally published in 1908, and features an introduction by A. A. Milne, together with Arthur Rackham's illustrations. Rackham's illustrations for the text first appeared in the Limited Editions Club edition of 1940; it was the last work he illustrated. "During his last illness Rackham worked on illustrations to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, a book for which he had a strong affection, and which he had longed for years to illustrate. The resulting pictures (the edition was published posthumously in 1940) are among his most affecting works, replete with wit, invention, and carefully controlled emotion" (ODNB). Milne's biographer, Ann Thwaite, notes that The Wind in the Willows "was a book that would mean a great deal to him", that Milne would use whether someone had read it as "a test of character", and that he "was always pressing it on his friends". In 1919 Milne wrote that "usually I speak about it at my first meeting with a stranger. It is my opening remark, just as yours is something futile about the weather. If I don't get it in at the beginning, I squeeze it in at the end. The stranger has got to have it some time." Indeed, E. H. Shepard, the artist who drew Winnie-the-Pooh, reported that one of the first questions Milne asked him was whether he had read The Wind in the Willows. In the introduction to the present edition Milne wrote, "One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly. The book is a test of character... When you sit down to it, don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself." In November 1921 the literary agent Curtis Brown first suggested that Milne write a dramatized version of the book. Milne responded that "I shall love doing it". The adaptation was first published in 1929 and Toad of Toad Hall became, as noted by Thwaite, "a regular Christmas treat for children". Indeed, it is now "the only Milne play that is still regularly produced". A review of the play in the Daily Telegraph suggested that the success of the play was that "the Wild Wood of Mr Grahame's book is evidently only a mile or two away from the Forest in which dwell Mr Milne's own creations, Winnie-the-Pooh and the rest". READ MORE Tall octavo. Original full white calf, spine lettered in gilt, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. With the original publisher's slipcase with printed label on front board. Colour frontispiece and 11 colour plates mounted on captioned leaves, black and white illustrations in the text, all by Rackham. Consistent light soiling to binding, as usual, spine slightly toned, slight cockling to front pastedown, some gatherings unopened; extremities of slipcase a little worn: a near-fine copy in a very good slipcase. Riall, p. 200. Ann Thwaite, A. A. Milne. His Life, 1990.

"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.