Monday, September 10, 2012

The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

Posted by Unknown On 8:33 AM | 1 comment

Book Detail : 
Hardcover: 340 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0152168079
ISBN-13: 978-0152168070
File Size : 768 Kb
File Format : PDF - Epub - Mobi
Book Description : 

When shy Mole climbs out of his hole and into the fresh spring air, he meets Ratty. The two set off for a day on the river, and thus begins this classic tale of deep friendship and adventure.
Even before the publication of the first edition in 1908, Kenneth Grahame's beloved characters appeared in gentle letters from the author to his young son. Those letters and the charming story itself inspired internationally acclaimed artist Michael Foreman to create the luminous illustrations for this unabridged edition.
Perfect for gift giving, this exquisite volume features several reproductions of Grahame's letters, along with photographs of father and son, a note about the author, an illustrator's note, and a sewn-in ribbon bookmark.

Amazon.com Review

Inspired by correspondence from Wind in the Willow's author Kenneth Grahame to his young son, award-winning illustrator Michael Foreman took up paint and brush to follow Mole, Ratty, Mr. Badger, and Toad through another edition of this well-loved kids classic.
Grahame's time-honored story, an adventure-filled idyll that meanders across a lovingly described English countryside, cemented its status as a masterpiece generations ago. But this newest edition adds some noteworthy extras: the unabridged text includes two chapters that don't appear in some modern versions ("The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn" and "Wayfarers All"), and the book closes with reproductions of two of Grahame's actual letters to his son Alistair ("My darling Mouse") in 1907, written on ornate, old-timey stationery from two Cornwall hotels and recounting one of Toad's first adventures (which Toad fans will recognize as the train-assisted escape of a certain "washerwoman").

These inclusions alone might merit a new edition, but Foreman's illustrations stand shoulder to shoulder with those of previous Winds artists (among them Ernest Shepard, the original illustrator, and Arthur Rackham, both of whom Foreman modestly stands "in awe" of). The lively, full-color illustrations appear generously throughout the book, as they convincingly capture both the story's small moments (like the washerwoman's weeping, for one) and more explosive events (like the storming of Toad Hall). (All ages) --Paul Hughes

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-Here, Grahame's text is profusely illustrated with small decorative drawings and watercolors, as well as panoramic spreads and bordered full-page pictures. The watercolors are often dominated by blues and greens, creating a sense of the river and countryside. Overall, Foreman's visual treatment is lighthearted, whimsical, and spirited. Some pictures are quite comical, such as a sobbing Mr. Toad after he receives a much-deserved tongue-lashing from Badger and Mr. Toad crooning his "last little song" to a set of empty chairs. Others are full of energy, movement, and drama such as scenes of the attack on Toad Hall. The endpapers are designed as maps of the countryside. Information about the author and his most famous work is included, as are reprints of the four letters sent to the author's son, which began the tales, and photographs of father and son. The combination of this timeless story and Foreman's dynamic pictures is sure to be a hit. Both this version and the one illustrated by Mary Jane Begin (North-South, 2002) are attractive and appealing, but libraries that can only afford one should consider Foreman's offering.

Table of Contents : 

01. The River Bank
02. The Open Road
03. The Wild Wood
04. Mr. BADGER
05. Dulce Domum
06. Mr. TOAD
07. The Piper At The Gates of Dawn
08. TOAD'S Adventures
09. Wayfarers All
10. The Further Adventures of TOAD
11. 'Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears'
12. The Return of Ulysses

Download The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame




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