Kenneth Grahame

Easton Press Kenneth Grahame books

The Wind in The Willows - Library of Famous Editions  - 1982
The Reluctant Dragon - Classic Nursery Rhymes - 1993

 

Author Kenneth Grahame

Kenneth Grahame, born on March 8, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a British author best known for his beloved children's classic, The Wind in the Willows. His writings, though limited in number, have had a lasting impact on literature and have captivated generations of readers. Grahame's early life was marked by tragedy. His mother died when he was just five years old, and he and his siblings were sent to live with their grandmother in Berkshire, England. This idyllic countryside setting later became a significant influence on his literary work. Educated at St. Edward's School in Oxford, Grahame excelled academically. Despite his promising start, financial difficulties forced him to leave school early and find employment. His professional life led him to a position at the Bank of England, where he worked for nearly three decades, ultimately rising to the position of Secretary.

In 1899, Grahame married Elspeth Thomson, and the couple had a son named Alastair. It was for Alastair, affectionately known as "Mouse," that Grahame began creating bedtime stories, which later formed the basis for The Wind in the Willows. These charming tales of anthropomorphic animals living along the riverbank showcased Grahame's enchanting storytelling abilities. The Wind in the Willows was published in 1908 and received widespread acclaim for its whimsical charm and exploration of themes such as friendship, adventure, and the magic of the natural world. The characters, including Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, have become iconic figures in children's literature. Despite the success of The Wind in the Willows, Grahame did not produce many other works. His other notable writings include essays and stories contributed to periodicals. Grahame's reluctance to publish more extensively may have been influenced by his reserved nature and a belief that he could never surpass the success of his beloved children's classic.

Kenneth Grahame lived a quiet and private life, finding solace in his family and the natural beauty of the English countryside. Tragically, in 1920, his only child, Alastair, took his own life at the age of 19. Grahame and his wife were devastated by this loss. Kenneth Grahame himself passed away on July 6, 1932, leaving behind a literary legacy defined by the enduring charm of The Wind in the Willows. His work continues to enchant readers of all ages, and his contribution to children's literature remains celebrated for its timeless appeal and profound understanding of the human experience through the whimsy of the animal kingdom.

Dream Days by Kenneth Grahame

Dream Days is a collection of children's stories written by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1898. This collection serves as a precursor to Grahame's more famous work, "The Wind in the Willows," and it showcases his talent for creating imaginative and whimsical tales that capture the essence of childhood. Dream Days consists of short stories and essays that revolve around the experiences and adventures of children. The stories are often set in the idyllic English countryside, drawing on Grahame's own fond memories of his childhood. The tales are characterized by a nostalgic and dreamlike quality, exploring themes of imagination, friendship, and the magic inherent in everyday life. One of the most well-known stories in Dream Days is The Reluctant Dragon, a charming tale of a boy who befriends a gentle and well-read dragon. This story, in particular, showcases Grahame's ability to blend fantasy with a deeper exploration of friendship and understanding.

Grahame's writing style in Dream Days is characterized by its poetic language, vivid imagery, and a keen understanding of the emotional lives of children. The stories reflect a bygone era and provide a glimpse into the innocence and wonder of childhood. While The Wind in the Willows is undoubtedly Kenneth Grahame's most celebrated work, Dream Days remains a delightful collection that captures the spirit of youth and the magic found in the everyday adventures of childhood. It offers readers a unique and enchanting perspective on the world through the eyes of a storyteller who understood the timeless appeal of imaginative tales for both children and adults.

The Wind In The Willows

Down by the riverbank, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad are about to begin their adventures. Join in the fun i n this delightful retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale.

In Kenneth Grahams classic tale of the River Bank, Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger make friends, have fun, and get into trouble in the Wild Wood. When Toad is imprisoned for stealing a car, the friends find themselves in a fight for Toad Hall.

For more than a century, The Wind in the Willows and its endearing protagonists Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and, of course, the incorrigible Toad have enchanted children of all ages. Whether the four friends are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories will surprise and captivate you.

Hailed as one of the most enduringly popular works of the twentieth century, this story is a classic of magical fancy and enchanting wit. Penned in lyrical prose, the adventures and misadventures of the book’s intrepid quartet of heroes raise fantasy to the level of myth. Reflecting the freshness of childhood wonder, it still offers adults endless sophistication, substance, and depth.

The animals’ world embodies the author’s wry, whimsical, and unfailingly inventive imagination. It is a world that succeeding generations of both adult and young readers have found irresistible. But why say more? To use the words of the estimable Mr. Toad himself: “Travel, change, interest, excitement!...Come inside.”

Spring is in the air and Mole has found a wonderful new world. There's boating with Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinx on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall. The four become the firmest of friends, but after Toad's latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels?

A masterpiece. A must-read

The Reluctant Dragon

From the author of  The Wind In the Willows  and illustrator of  Winnie the Pooh,  comes the original, high-quality edition of this classic story later made into a Disney movie.

In this beloved classic story, a young boy befriends a poetry-loving dragon living in the Downs above his home. When the town-folk send for St. George to slay the dragon, the boy needs to come up with a clever plan to save his friend and convince the townsfolk to accept him.

When a dragon is discovered up on the Downs, the Boy is not in the least surprised. He's always known the cave there was a dragon cave, so it seems only right for a dragon to be living in it.

With the help of a bright little boy, a poetic dragon defies stereotypes in a humorous tale by the author of The Wind in the Willows.

Dragons are a scourge and must be abolished at least, that's what all the villagers say. It doesn't seem to matter that this particular dragon wouldn't hurt a fly and is more than content to laze by his cave and make up poetry. He certainly doesn't want to fight, though it seems he will have no choice when St. George arrives on his warhorse with golden armor gleaming, carrying the longest, wickedest spear you ever did see. Still, the dragon does have one friend the shepherd's son, a small boy with a great deal of sense and imagination. Will he find a way to solve the dragon¹s dilemma?

The Boy decides to pay a visit to the cave, and he thinks he knows just what to expect. But this particular dragon is not a bit like the ones in fairy tales. The boy and the dragon become friends in short order. Unfortunately, the villagers also discover that there is a dragon living in the downs and they send for the great dragon slayer St. George. The boy and the dragon need a plan, a plan that will save the life of this unique and delightful dragon.

This story first appeared as a chapter in Grahame's Dream Days and was first published as a separate book by Holiday House in 1938 with illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard.

A timeless book wIth fun for adults and children, the story celebrates difference, empathy, and standing with our friends even when things look tough. A great read-aloud.

A classic and magical retelling of St George and the Dragon from the author of The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame with the original and official artwork by E.H. Shepard, illustrator of Winnie the Pooh. The perfect gift for young children.