Wind in the Willows Is for Pipers

[odobenus]

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]

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]

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

 

[shanez]

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]

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]

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]

Those are some classic illustrations.

 

[Chasing Embers]

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

Okay, thanks. One headed my way!

 

[mso489]

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]

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]

Please see below.

 

[huntertrw]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[shanez]

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

 

[odobenus]

Piper at the gates of dawn?

 

[shanez]

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

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

Loving this thread. WITW is a dear old book.