Real Men Read – “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame

Thursday, November 17, 2022
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

About the Book

First published in April 1908, The Wind in the Willows is one of the most cherished classics of children’s literature by Kenneth Grahame, a British writer born in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Originally written as a series of bedtime stories for the author’s son, the story begins at the arrival of spring where we find the good-natured Mole tired of doing his spring cleaning. Mole decides to abandon his cleaning in order to enjoy the fresh air of spring. He journeys to the river where he meets Rat, whom he quickly befriends. Together the two row down the river ultimately meeting up with Toad at Toad Hall. There they discover Toad’s current obsession with his horse-drawn caravan, one which he quickly abandons for a motorcar when his caravan is run off the road by one.

A fourth friend enters the story in the form of Badger and when it is discovered that Toad’s obsession is becoming self-destructive, Mole, Rat, and Badger intervene to help protect Toad from himself. This collection of stories is an enchanting and timeless classic that brings alive the creatures of the woodland. This is one of the most treasured works of children’s literature ever written, certainly Kenneth Grahame’s most famous work.

About the Author

Kenneth Grahame wrote science fiction and fantasy stories enjoyed by both children and adults. He rose through the ranks at the Bank of England, retiring as its Secretary. He wrote stories and essays to avoid becoming too bored at work and published The Wind in the Willows, his best – known work, in retirement. Grahame’s son Alastair committed suicide in 1920, and thereafter Grahame lived a quiet, private life, but sequels to his children’s masterpiece were written by others.

About the event

Real Men Read meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Cold Spring branch meeting room. We tend to read a variety of fiction ranging from classics to modern sci-fi, and non-fiction including history, biography, and popular science.

Please note any accommodation requests in the Special Need section of the registration form. If you wish to attend via Zoom, or have any other questions, please contact Dave Anderson at danderson@cc-pl.org

Cold Spring Branch