The Annotated Wind in the Willows

the long version

Kenneth Grahame's classic comes alive in a gorgeous, annotated homage to this beloved masterpiece. An instant bestseller on its initial publication in 1908, The Wind in the Willows has become one of the greatest books in children's literature. Hundreds of illustrations, including famous images by E. H. Shepard and Arthur Rackham, illuminate the adventures of Mole, Mr. Toad, Badger, Otter, River Rat, and all our other favorite characters. In addition to remarkable notes on automobiles (Toad drove an Armstrong Hardcastle Special Eight), picnics, Gypsies, caravans, old English mansions, peculiar dukes, and even modern manifestations (Disney's "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"), scholar Annie Gauger has uncovered extraordinary new material on Kenneth Grahame, his troubled family life, and the origins of the story. Her preface puts Grahame's work in historical and literary context, and she provides biographies of all the illustrators. With a stirring introduction by Brian Jacques, The Annotated Wind in the Willows promises to become the authoritative edition of this classic work, published just in time to honor the author's 150th birthday.