"One can argue over the merits of most books, and in arguing understand
the point of view of one's opponent. One may even come to the conclusion
that possibly he is right after all. One does not argue about The Wind
in the Willows. [...] The book is a test of character. [...] It is
a Household Book; a book which everybody in the household loves, and
quotes continually; A book which is read aloud to every new guest and is
regarded as the touchstone of his worth." -A.A. Milne
The Wind in the Willows (1908) is a novel by Kenneth Grahame. Although
it began as a series of interrelated stories the author would create for
his son, Alastair, in order to read before bedtime, it soon took on a
life of its own. Published after a series of rejections, The Wind in
the Willows would go on to become not only a defining work of Edwardian
English literature, but one of the most popular works of children's
fiction in the world.
Tired of spring cleaning, Mole emerges from his subterranean home to a
world he has never taken the time to know. Shocked at first, he soon
befriends a water vole named Rat who spends his days in a rowboat on the
river. Rat not only instructs Mole on how to navigate the local
waterways, but awakens in him a love and appreciation for nature. When
they meet Mr. Toad, the wildly unpredictable heir of Toad Hall, their
newly found peace all but disappears. Combining his obsession with
motorcars with an insatiable desire for reckless driving, Mr. Toad soon
forces Mole and Rat--alongside their friend Mr. Badger--to watch over
him at Toad Hall in an effort to save him from himself. Taking advantage
of their kind and caring natures, Mr. Toad escapes, only to be arrested,
thrown in jail, and handed a twenty year sentence.
As The Wind in the Willows unfolds, another escape is staged, a home
is saved, and the bonds of friendship are stretched to their limit.
Kenneth Grahame's novel is not just a book about animal life that is
strangely like our own, but a book that remains, over a century after it
was published, a classic work of literature for children and adults
alike.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows is a
monumental literary work reimagined for modern readers.
