Wind in the Willows Is for Pipers

odobenus · Mar 30, 2019

Recently got my hands on the unabridged 1980 edition of Kenneth Grahame's classic 'The Wind in the Willows,' as illustrated by the great Michael Hague. Unlike some other versions I've seen, this one has a lot of pipe-smoking in it. Ratty, in particular, is rarely seen without his pipe.

I believe more recent publications have 'cleaned it up' for kids (anachronistically & diabolically). My son, age 6, does tin-note smell-testing for me and has already developed his own shape/finish aesthetic. Have I created a monster?

Here are some highlighted selections for your enjoyment:

olkofri · Mar 30, 2019

Had I sons I would teach them to drink and smoke myself, when **I** decide it's time, not when the gov't tells me. Good for you.
I have to get me a copy of that edition too!

Chasing Embers · Mar 30, 2019

What does the cover look like. Currently looking at three different unabridged copies.

shanez · Mar 30, 2019

The Wind in the Willows is one of the greatest books ever written, IMHO, and is my personal favorite of all time.
I challenge anyone to read it without smiling. It has been correctly described as a prescription for happiness.
I'll have to look for that particular edition. The illustrations are just wonderful.
I also have an audio version narrated by Ralph Cosham that I highly recommend. I had to buy a second copy since I wore the first one out (scratches, etc.) over the years. Sometimes it's nice to tune out the world and just get lost in the story.

olkofri · Mar 30, 2019

I remember watching the cartoon movie many, many years ago. I bet it's less rewarding as the book, but I'd like to revisit the one and finally read the other.

odobenus · Mar 30, 2019

This is the cover of the edition in question (there have been many reproductions and many illustrators):

Shanez: Definitely one of the best. I'll look for that particular audio version too (the right reader can make or break a wonderful book) -- I've never listened to it.

redglow · Mar 30, 2019

Those are some classic illustrations.

Chasing Embers · Mar 30, 2019

This is the cover of the edition in question (there have been many reproductions and many illustrators):

Okay, thanks. One headed my way!

mso489 · Mar 30, 2019

Fixing up history was a specialty of the Soviet Union. They also tried to steer science in politically approved directions. Neither effort worked well except in terms of confusing some of the public for life.

elbert · Mar 30, 2019

I absolutely love The Wind in the Willows. My all-time favorite children's book (and that's not a pejorative).

I also have an audio version narrated by Ralph Cosham that I highly recommend.

I can never have too many audiobook recommendations, living on the road. I'll look into that. Wayfarers, all!

huntertrw · Mar 30, 2019

Please see below.

huntertrw · Mar 30, 2019

That the illustrations once included pipes is no surprise, as Mr. Grahame was a pipe-man himself. In 1898 he expressed his love for a morning pipe by writing that it is, "...smoked on a clearer palate, and comes to unjaded senses like the kiss of one's first love..." He further stated that it conjures thoughts of, "...Sunday, holidays and the like - the whole joy and peace of which are summed up in that one beautiful pipe after breakfast, smoked in careless majesty...Then only can we be said to really smoke. And so this particular pipe of the day always carries with it festal reminiscences: memories of holidays past, hopes for holidays to come; a suggestion of sunny lawns and flannels..."

odobenus · Mar 30, 2019

What a fantastic quote -- thanks Hunter.

There are a few weird audio versions out there (even one American narrator, perish the thought!), but the Cosham version can be found on Audible here:

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Wind-in-the-Willows-Audiobook/B002V8KIMY?qid=1553984971&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=3YDMDYQNE679QYSCY4S5&

It says unabridged but it's only 5.25 hrs and other versions are 7 hrs so I'm skeptical.

There are two chapters that have been infamously cut from many printings of the book.

jaytex1969 · Mar 30, 2019

Fixing up history was a specialty of the Soviet Union. They also tried to steer science in politically approved directions. Neither effort worked well except in terms of confusing some of the public for life.

Hook In Mouth

tulsagentleman · Mar 30, 2019

I suppose future releases of Lord of the Rings will excise Gandalf from his pipe. Tolkien was an avid pipe smoker as were many of his (my) generation.

Chasing Embers · Mar 30, 2019

Santa's pipe is removed from newer releases of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas so that would not surprise me at all.

shanez · Mar 30, 2019

The longer versions may be dramatized versions. Or maybe it is missing something. I can't think of what would be missing.

odobenus · Mar 30, 2019

Piper at the gates of dawn?

shanez · Mar 31, 2019

And Dolce Domum. It wouldn't be the same without either.

DotAndBang’sPipes · Apr 1, 2019

Loving this thread. WITW is a dear old book.

Wind in the Willows Is for Pipers

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Captain of the Black Frigate

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Captain of the Black Frigate

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Starting to Get Obsessed

Captain of the Black Frigate

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Starting to Get Obsessed