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Wind in the Willows – a classic map

April 26, 2018 By Claire Annette Noland 8 Comments

 

This map found in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham, is one of the classic maps many of us hold dear. It was drawn by  Ernest H. Shepard who also drew the map in Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne. The map, however, was not in the original edition of the book written in 1908.

The story originally began as a series of bedtime stories the Graham told to his son, Alistair or “mouse.” Alistair became obsessed with the continuing saga of Mole, Rat, Badger who tried to keep their reckless friend, Mr. Toad, out of trouble. While traveling, Grahame wrote the adventures in daily letters which were sent home.  The setting for the book was based on Grahame’s childhood memories of the countryside around the river Thames.Grahame’s wife suggested that they be edited and published in book form.

(photograph from University of Oxford Bodleian Libraries)

There have been numerous editions of The Wind in the Willows but the one most people think of is the edition illustrated by E. H. Shepard. Unfortunately, Grahame died shortly before the book was published in 1931 but he did meet with his new illustrator to discus the characters. Shepard said this about their conversation –

“Not sure about his new illustrator of his book, he listened patiently while I told him what I hoped to do. Then he said ‘I love these little people, be kind to them’ …He would like, he said, ‘to go with me to show me the river bank that he knew so well, ‘…but now I cannot walk so far and you must find your way alone’.”

Shepard drew not only the map but more than seventy illustrations.

 

 

The Wind in the Willows has made its way into film, animation, and stage productions as well as the infamous  Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland which happens to be a family favorite.

 

Thanks for stopping by on today’s A to Z April Blog Challenge post.

 

Filed Under: Blogging A to Z, book maps, Books Tagged With: a to z blog challenge, Maps in Children's Books, Wind in the Willows

« V is for Vintage Maps in Children’s Books
X Marks the Spot »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stepheny Houghtlin says

    April 26, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    This is divine! Wonderful information supported by images that make me smile. You have done such a fantastic thing during the #Challenge with this fabulous theme. I say again, in case you are not listening to me. “You must publish this work into a book now for map lovers, and all the other categories where it could be shelved in a BOOKSTORE. Thank you.
    Stepheny Houghtlin recently posted…V – Munro’s Books of Victoria – BC CanadaMy Profile

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  2. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says

    April 26, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    Those illustrations take me right back to childhood! It’s amazing how vividly some things are etched in my memory. Probably especially amazing as half the time I can’t figure out where I left the car keys, yet I remember books from childhood so well.

    BTW, I just noticed the Chronicles of Narnia quote on your sidebar – love Lucy’s response 🙂
    Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor recently posted…W Is For “Whoops” | A To Z ChallengeMy Profile

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  3. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    April 26, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    Hi Claire … lovely rendition for us to read about this family favourite – and your family’s too I see – cheers Hilary
    Hilary Melton-Butcher recently posted…W is for Watersheds …My Profile

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  4. Cori at Printed Portal says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Love the maps 🙂 takes me right back to childhood!
    Cori at Printed Portal recently posted…Y is for… YogaMy Profile

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  5. JazzFeathers says

    April 30, 2018 at 6:46 am

    I haven’t read this book yet, though it has been on the TBR pile for a long time. Didn’t know most of what you’re recount in the article. That last conversations ounds so sad.
    JazzFeathers recently posted…Zentrum (Weimar Germany #AtoZChallenge)My Profile

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  6. Trine Grillo says

    May 1, 2018 at 3:29 am

    Absolutely one of our family favorites.

    Reply
  7. Alana says

    May 6, 2018 at 6:20 am

    I hadn’t ever realized the illustrator was one and the same! Winnie-the-Pooh is my absolute favorite children’s book, and I loved Wind in the Willows, though I think mostly for the illustrations. I don’t remember the story all that well, to be honest (just little snippets stand out), the I remember spending hours examining the illustrations. Thank you for this lovely trip down memory lane. 🙂
    Alana recently posted…Nylon Sculpture: Art MorningsMy Profile

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    • Claire Annette Noland says

      May 8, 2018 at 4:59 am

      Winnie-the-Pooh is my favorite, too. I must confess that I don’t remember all that much about Wind in the Willow but I do like the story about how it came to be. And, Mr. Toad is such a wild character.

      Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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