Raymond Briggs' now famous bestselling comic cartoon book depicts the effects of a neuclear attack on an elderly couple in his usual humorous yet macabre way.
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About the Author
Raymond Briggs is one of the foremost creators of illustrated books for adults and children, including the unforgettable The Snowman and Father Christmas.
THE BASICS
THE BOOKSRaymond Briggs' parents have proved an important source of inspiration to the author/artist. His father was a milkman; his mother a former lady's maid. Raymond's unique characterisation of Father Christmas is based on his father - "Father Christmas and the milkman both have wretched jobs: working in the cold, wet and dark." His parents also influenced the character of Jim and Hilda, the victims of nuclear fall-out, in When The Wind Blows.
Raymond left school aged 15 to study painting at Wimbledon School of Art. After completing a typography course at the Central School of Art, and two years of National Service, Raymond went on to the Slade School to study painting. His first work was in advertising, but before long he was winning acclaim as a children's book illustrator as well as teaching illustration at Brighton College of Art.
Raymond was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1966 for his fourth picture book, The Mother Goose Treasury, and again in 1973 for Father Christmas. Published in 1978, The Snowman is perhaps Raymond's best-loved creation. He says that the book was partly inspired by its predecessor, Fungus The Bogeyman - "For two years I worked on Fungus, buried amongst muck, slime and words, so... I wanted to do something which was clean, pleasant, fresh and wordless and quick."Born: Wimbledon Park, January 18th 1934*Jobs: Artist, WriterLives: SussexFirst Book for Children: The Strange House, 1961*Raymond shares his birthday with A A Milne and Arthur Ransome
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By John Peter O'connor
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This graphical novel is set in England during the Regan-Thatcher years of the early eighties. It covers the final days of Jim and Hilda Bloggs as they are caught up in a global nuclear war.
In Britain at this time there was much public concern over the increased tension between NATO and the Warsaw pact nations and the deployment of short range nuclear weapons by both blocs raised these tensions. In this atmosphere, the British government published a set of leaflets setting out what precautions could be taken by the public to reduce the effects of a nuclear strike.
In this book, we see an ordinary English couple attempt to follow the guidance in the leaflets and we follow their fate after a war. Alone, confused and dying from radiation sickness, they cling to their hopes that, by "doing the right thing" they will be OK and the authorities will come and take care of them.
The author introduces just enough levity to give Jim and Hilda humanity and to make their tale bearable. While Jim and Hilda may not be the smartest folk around, they are the thoroughly decent folks that you would always be happy to have neighbours and that fact brings the horror of the story home.
Although the threats that inspired this book have receded, it still carries a message that is important and deeply moving.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book both and scared and fascinated me in equal measure upon reading it as a child. I remember feeling at that age (about thirteen) that I had truly discovered the power of storytelling. Set in an England ravaged by Nuclear war, When the Wind Blows is told through the innocence of an elderly man and his wife, who don't really understand the impact of what is happening. This makes the message all the more brutal and frightening, a real warning against the finality of such a war. A bit strong for children, but essential reading all the same.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Written in the 80's, a time when nuclear war seemed to be an altogether too realistic possibility, this book is astonishingly brutal. The pages begin vibrant with colour and gradually fade to the whitewash of sickness, whilst the characters naive sensibilities and inability to understand that this war is different to the last one make the story unbearable. The fear is apparent throughout, but the reader knows that in this case ignorance is bliss. The Government's suggestions to hide behind a shelter made of doors are useless, but at least these people feel like they are doing something. The truth is, there is nothing they can do. Everyone should read this book, although it is the most upsetting book you will ever encounter.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A*
I remembered going to see this in at the theatre when i was a child. The book brought back memories. A very powerful and moving book.
Published 2 months ago by tash
5.0 out of 5 stars
When the wind blows
Raymond Briggs' excellent work as always. I had this book many years ago and forgot just how poignant it is even today.
Published 2 months ago by Pam Meakin
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful book
I first read this many years ago, but it still resonates. How does he do it? I cared about the central characters, whilst wanting to shake them out of their simple, unswerving... Read more
Published 3 months ago by A Hughes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Great Book
What can I say about Raymond Briggs, I have already seen the film of this some years ago and the book does not disappoint! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Angel1010
5.0 out of 5 stars
when the wind blows
Read this when it first came out and gave my copy away so was nice to read it again in light of political changes and allegiances. Read more
Published 3 months ago by liin
3.0 out of 5 stars
It can be very Cold.
There is a generation now who do not understand the experience of living in the Cold War. Thankfully, it never came to direct blows. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Officer Dibble
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome!
It scared the daylights out of me when I read it when I was younger, so when my 7 year old asked me what happens when a nuclear bomb expoles, I purchased the book and handed it to... Read more
Published 10 months ago by gulshun
4.0 out of 5 stars
A minute's silent Thumbs Up.
This is a fantastic work by Raymond Briggs who is better known for The Snowman, Father Christmas and Fungus the Bogeyman. Read more
Published 12 months ago by 365 Graphic Novels
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tragic, horrible yet strangely funny
Sometimes the best stories to deal with complex issues are the simplest, in plot and form; like Orwell's 'Animal Farm' or Raymond Briggs' 'When the Wind Blows'. Read more
Published 18 months ago by KurtMcGowan
5.0 out of 5 stars
When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs
This is a book (in comic book graphics) that has you laughing one minute and sad the next. The story is about what happens when a nuclear bomb is dropped and how an elderly couple... Read more
Published on 2 May 2011 by Melody
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