The Wind in the Willows
With Illustrations by David Petersen
Illustrated by David Petersen
Notes
Somehow, through my own childhood, my much-younger brother's childhood, and my own child's childhood, I never actually read "The Wind in the Willows." That's strange, since I feel like I read every other classic children's book.
Anyway, it's a charming story and features some absolutely beautiful writing. Now I know about Mole and Rat and Badger and Toad, and Toad's selfish, totally self-centered adventures. Maybe children would be cheering on Mr. Toad, but I found myself horrified by his egotistical lack of consideration for his friends.
Still... I'll cherish the memory of the chapter titled "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn." It's a lovely chapter, and made me think of Pink Floyd and the talented but tragic Syd Barrett.
And I wonder if all of us don't contain just a bit of each of the four friends, maybe more of some than the others.
Anyway, it's a charming story and features some absolutely beautiful writing. Now I know about Mole and Rat and Badger and Toad, and Toad's selfish, totally self-centered adventures. Maybe children would be cheering on Mr. Toad, but I found myself horrified by his egotistical lack of consideration for his friends.
Still... I'll cherish the memory of the chapter titled "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn." It's a lovely chapter, and made me think of Pink Floyd and the talented but tragic Syd Barrett.
And I wonder if all of us don't contain just a bit of each of the four friends, maybe more of some than the others.