Wind in the Willows

Introduction

Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) spent much of his childhood on the banks of theThames River in the English countryside, the setting for this story.  Grahame based The Wind in the Willows on letters he wrote to his son Alistair with the intent of teaching his son important lessons to improve his behavior.   As was typical of writers of childrenís books at this time, Grahame created a fantasy based on the adventures of four animal friends:  Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad. They, as well as the other animal characters, are anthropomorphic animal characters:  they dress like humans; they live in their homes like humans; they speak like humans; they express feelings like humans; and they behave like humans.  Intertwined in this mix of animal characters are a few humans who apparently coexist with the human- like animals when necessary.  The story’s exciting plot and country setting, the engaging characters, and the author’s descriptive literary style combine to make this classic a popular book that appeals equally to adults and children.  The Wind in the Willows, first published in England in 1908, has never been out of print and is considered to be one of the best-loved books in English literature.  There are numerous editions of The Wind in the Willows, some of which are abridged and/or adapted.