The Wind in the Willows (1908) is a book for those 'who keep the spirit of youth alive in them'. So wrote Kenneth Grahame of his timeless tale of Toad, Mole, Badger, and Rat in their beautiful and benevolently ordered world. But it is also a world under siege, threatened by dark and unnamed forces, and defended by the mysterious Piper at the Gates of Dawn. The Wind in the Willows has achieved an enduring place in our literature: it succeeds at once in arousing our anxieties and in calming them by giving perfect shape to our desire for peace and escape.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Amazon 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. 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 text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Despite the attractive large format of this pleasant complete edition of the 1908 classic, the illustrations seem bland in comparison with either the lively wit of Ernest Shepard's drawings or Rackham's elegant and endearing detail. Percy does evoke the serenity of the English landscape and cozy interiors in his carefully designed full-color plates, while the characters come affably to life in his detailed drawings. There's a more contemporary flavor here, too, though costume and settings are appropriately Edwardian. Not a primary purchase, but a nice supplementary interpretation. (Kirkus Reviews)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've been waiting for this version to come out on CD for a long time. My tapes, both sets, have worn out! I will never tire of listening to this, despite the fact that I scorn most children's literature nowadays! David Jason's Toad is a complete joy, conniving, self-pitying but loveable all the same, just like Toad should be. This version is atmospheric, funny, beautifully acted and 'comfort' listening of the first order. Forget the modern world and all its PC ways. Sit back and listen and pretend everything's alright - just for awhile...
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Tolkien
Format:Audio CD
This has to be the great timeless classic story, beautifully performed with all the style we have growm to expect from the BBC. My children loved this and now my grandchildren have nearley worn out the cd. Great for those long holiday trips the whole family will enjoy it.
I give it 5 stars.
I give it 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Sue Birch
Format:Paperback
You are never to old to enjoy the Wind in the Willows.
I read this to a very young friend only recently. I'm not sure which of the two of us enjoyed the story more.
I had forgotten what a wonderful, magical world Ratty, Toad & Mole live in.
We both had a lovely time sharing their adventures.
I read this to a very young friend only recently. I'm not sure which of the two of us enjoyed the story more.
I had forgotten what a wonderful, magical world Ratty, Toad & Mole live in.
We both had a lovely time sharing their adventures.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I sent this book as a birthday present to my young grand-daughter in Australia, because I knew she loved animals, and I wanted something which would delight her. Recalling my own pleasure, as a small boy, when the story had been read to me,I knew she would enjoy it.
Whether the child is eight, or one in spirit at eighty, this book must enchant. Parts of it, as the encounter with Pan and the young badger, are incredibly beautiful.
I cannot recommend this book too highly.
Whether the child is eight, or one in spirit at eighty, this book must enchant. Parts of it, as the encounter with Pan and the young badger, are incredibly beautiful.
I cannot recommend this book too highly.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was seriously deprived as a child and never read the "Wind in the Willow," nor did I have it read to me. Given that my Mom is an avid reader and encouraged me to be one also, I don't know why this classic was omitted from my early reading repertoire. When I met my husband, he discovered I had never read Kenneth Grahame's book, and told me it was/is one of his favorites. So, the first gift I ever received from him was a copy of "Wind in the Willows," inscribed "A kid's book for a special lady, who is a child at heart." Now the marvelous adventures of the Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger still delight, as they did that first time many years ago, when I was 19 years-old. If you are older than eight, the reading level says 4-8, and are not familiar with this tale, by all means get yourself a copy and enter the magical world created by Mr. Grahame, who wrote this as a series of bedtime stories for his son in 1908. As far as literature goes, the writing is quite lyrical, really beautiful and inventive, and so intelligent. A samples below, describes the scenery of new surroundings:
"He thought his happiness 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 such 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 who shook themselves free, and were caught and held again. All was a-shake and a-shiver, glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated."
Grahame writes this exuberant, humorous fantasy, about the adventures of four close friends, all animals, who live in the English countryside, the Wild Wood, to be exact.
... Read more ›27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By J. Chippindale
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this book to read to my young grandson (4 years old). The book brought back many wonderful memories of my childhood and the magical world the story gives to a young child hearing it for the first time.
Until I started to read to my grandson I had forgotten what a wonderful story it is, far surpassing most of the modern tales for children. It still feels as fresh as the day it was written and is not dated at all.
For some reason, I don't know why children seem to be able to relate to stories about animals rather than about human beings, this is reflected in the number of programmes on children's television about animals.
Whether it be paper back or hard back with illustrations get the children in your family a copy of Wind in the Willows, I guarantee they will love it. This is quite an expensive volume (but a terrific price on Amazon at the moment). It is worth it for the beautiful illustrations.
Until I started to read to my grandson I had forgotten what a wonderful story it is, far surpassing most of the modern tales for children. It still feels as fresh as the day it was written and is not dated at all.
For some reason, I don't know why children seem to be able to relate to stories about animals rather than about human beings, this is reflected in the number of programmes on children's television about animals.
Whether it be paper back or hard back with illustrations get the children in your family a copy of Wind in the Willows, I guarantee they will love it. This is quite an expensive volume (but a terrific price on Amazon at the moment). It is worth it for the beautiful illustrations.
34 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Wind in the Willows is a much-loved children's classic: it revolves around the adventure of four key animal characters. The story is magical but this is a review primarily of the edition and not the story itself.
There are 224 pages in this edition (not 192 as Amazon states). It's a well-presented hardback book beautifully illustrated. The original story was illustrated by E.H.Shepard and although Robert Ingpen's illustrations here are quite different in style (gloomier and more atmospheric), they do justice to the story and have a similar kind of charm about them.
All in all, this has to be one of my favourite editions of the book - it looks great as a gift to any child (or adult for that matter!) The pages are really thick and the whole book is well-presented - you just know you're in for a treat when you open the book. Excellent!
There are 224 pages in this edition (not 192 as Amazon states). It's a well-presented hardback book beautifully illustrated. The original story was illustrated by E.H.Shepard and although Robert Ingpen's illustrations here are quite different in style (gloomier and more atmospheric), they do justice to the story and have a similar kind of charm about them.
All in all, this has to be one of my favourite editions of the book - it looks great as a gift to any child (or adult for that matter!) The pages are really thick and the whole book is well-presented - you just know you're in for a treat when you open the book. Excellent!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
Can't think why I had not read this. Fabulous for children of all ages! A must for good book lovers'
Published 8 days ago by Peter J. Clarke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great!!
At school a few weeks ago our litracy subject was wind in the willows and we had to write an extra chapter in the story. It was really fun. Read more
Published 9 days ago by lauren davison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
It is one of those books where episodes live for ever - and now I have it on Kindle it is always with me
Published 11 days ago by R. J. Selwood
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ratty, Toad and Co.
Very good traditional book for children, have read many times before from hardback and paperback versions, Kindle version just as good.
Published 13 days ago by Ski_Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars
A timeless classic for 8+
the enduring tale of Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad. Their adventures on the river bank, in the Wild Wood, and the Mr Toads antics with Gypsy Caravans and motor cars that eventually... Read more
Published 13 days ago by Inertia_Creeps
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wind in the Willows; comments on my first e-book.
I have read Wind in the Willows several times, including those occasions when I read it to my grandchildren. Read more
Published 15 days ago by MR ERIC ADAMS
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic
A classic read, reminds me of my childhood, beautifully written and one to keep on the book list for future re reading.
Published 20 days ago by WHYTWITCH
2.0 out of 5 stars
Right.
Quite boring I skipped most of the pages. Might recommend download if you like this book but want it on kindle ;)
I lost it about an eighth of the way through but that's just... Read more
I lost it about an eighth of the way through but that's just... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Me
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just an old fav
What a shame so few moden children's authors can't write like this, not an expletive anywere. Nice to escape back to my childhood again for a short while.
Published 21 days ago by S J Jefferys
5.0 out of 5 stars
Graduates classic
A five star classic that is still a great read after 40 years. The writing is a joy the characters are people we know. A genuine English classic that is a most.
Published 21 days ago by clive felgate
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