The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham (illus by Lawrie)
Paperbound hardcover in lovely decorative boards. Illustrations by Robin Lawrie, introduction by Brian Jacques.
A delightful adventure, one of my ten desert island books. One of those books you will come back to over and over again throughout your life.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is an English classic loved by adults and children alike. Spend a season on the river bank and take a walk on the wild side . . . Spring is in the air and Mole has found a wonderful new world. There’s boating with Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinx on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall.
The four become the firmest of friends, but after Toad’s latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels?
Kenneth Graham (1859-1932) was born in Edinburgh, but grew up with relatives in Berkshire where he developed his love for the countryside surrounding the upper parts of the River Thames. He wrote several books including The Golden Age and Dream Days which includes the short story ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ (later made into a Disney movie).
Kenneth Grahame developed the character of Toad in The Wind in the Willows to amuse his young son, Alistair. It was published in 1908 and still remains a best-loved children’s classic.