The Making of The Wind in the Willows

By: Peter Hunt

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Paperback | 16 March 2018 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
128 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21 x 17.2 x 1.7

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The adventures of Mole, Ratty, Mr. Toad, and Mr. Badger-and their tangles with the Weasels-have been adored by children for more than a century. Yet, with its oddly bureaucratic town dramas and the esoteric hobbies of its protagonists, The Wind in the Willows was originally intended almost entirely for adults. Though first inspired by bedtime stories Kenneth Grahame told to his son Alastair, as he wrote them down, the tales of these woodland creatures developed into something much more sophisticated.
Peter Hunt explores the unusual trajectory of The Wind in the Willows through previously unpublished archival materials, original drawings, and fan letters (including one from Theodore Roosevelt). He identifies the colleagues and friends on whom Grahame is thought to have based the characters of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad, and explores the literary genres of boating, caravanning, and motoring on which the author drew. He also recounts the extraordinary correspondence surrounding the book's first publication and the influence of two determined women-publisher's agent Constance Smedley and the author's wife, Elspeth Grahame-who helped turn the book into the classic for children we know and love today. Generously illustrated throughout, this book celebrates one of the most beloved works of children's literature ever published.

Industry Reviews

'How did a famous book come to be written by a man with no interest in it and how did it become a children's classic when it was almost entirely intended for adults? This splendid book gives the answers to both these curious conundrums.' * This England Magazine *
'This lovingly-illustrated book is full of archival material and explores the mysteries surrounding one of the most successful works of children's literature.' * Countryside Magazine *
'Well laid out and thoroughly readable book ... Read this book for the tale of how 'The Wind in the Willows' took shape is equally as fascinating.' * The Field *
'An elegant, attractively-tactile, visually-enhancing volume that should fly off bookshop shelves with the speed of Toad behind the wheel of his "shiny new motor-car, of great size, painted a bright red".' * Children's Books History Society *
'If you have never read Kenneth Grahame's fantastic children's book, before you do please read this. ... The timeless illustrations and their real locational inspirations all give a super insight into the creation of this wonderful tale. As Toad would say of this charming volume: "Poop! Poop!"' * Let's Talk! 'Books of the Month' *

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