The Wind in the Willows - Hardcover

Grahame, Kenneth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312136242 ISBN 13: 9780312136246

Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 1995

Synopsis

A new edition of Kenneth Grahame's classic story, with outstanding illustrations by Patrick Benson and a new introduction by William Horwood, author of The Willows in Winter.

Since its original publication in 1908, Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows has become one of the true classics of English literature loved by children and adults alike.

For the generations who have grown up with the adventures of Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad, Grahame's idyllic world is as fresh now as when they first discovered his enchanting tales-of Ratty sculling his boat on the River; Badger grumpily entertaining his friends in his comfortable underground home; and the exasperating Toad being driven into one tangle after another by his obsession with motor cars.

The continuing appeal of the riverbank characters have been demonstrated by the recent success of The Willows in Winter, the acclaimed sequel to The Wind in the Willows written by William Horwood and illustrated by Patrick Benson. Now Mr. Benson has turned to Grahame's original work and created a delightful new edition, in which his magical illustrations give fresh life to Grahame's unforgettable story. The Wind in the Willows is the perfect companion to The Willows in Winter.

About this title

Review:

"[Mole] thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before--this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again." Such is the cautious, agreeable Mole's first introduction to the river and the Life Adventurous. Emerging from his home at Mole End one spring, his whole world changes when he hooks up with the good-natured, boat-loving Water Rat, the boastful Toad of Toad Hall, the society- hating Badger who lives in the frightening Wild Wood, and countless other mostly well-meaning creatures. Michael Hague's exquisitely detailed, breathtaking color illustrations on almost every generous spread--along with Kenneth Grahame's elegant, delightfully old-fashioned characterizations of the animals--make this book a wonderful read-aloud. Grahame's The Wind in the Willows has enchanted readers for four generations, and this lavishly illustrated gift edition is perhaps the finest around. (All ages, or 9 to 12)

This reviews refers to ISBN 0805002138.

From the Publisher:

7 1-hour cassettes

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0312136242
• ISBN 13: 9780312136246
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272
• Illustrator: Benson Patrick