The Wind in the Willows by Grahame, Kenneth - 1908

London: Methuen & Co., 1908 First edition. Very scarce, especially in this condition. Octavo (7½x5 inches). Pp. [6], 302. Frontis illustration by Graham Robertson, with intact tissue guard. Publisher's gilt-decorated and lettered green cloth, edges untrimmed. Bookplate on inner cover, contemporary owner's name on front free endpaper, "J. H. Hody." Slightest of rubbing to outer joints, but a superior copy, fine and clean. The first appearance, in the publisher's gilt-decorated cloth, of this perennially popular adventures of Mr. Toad and Company, one of the best-loved children's books of the 20th century. Begun as a series of bedtime stories for the author's only child, the book was written after ill health had forced Grahame (1859-1932) to retire from his banking career. "One of the most endearing books ever written for children… its appeal is ageless and parents never tire of reading it aloud. Like all great books it is inexhaustible" (Eyre). A. A. Milne, who adapted this work for the stage, considered it a "household book" - i.e., found in every household in Britain, while DNB declared it "a cultural icon, and part of the world's literary heritage." The first edition of this classic can be found with some effort, but because the book was inexpensively made, and because it was used by and for children, a copy in fine condition is rarely seen. Our copy is housed in a clear lucite custom box..