21. The Wind In The Willows: How A Bedtime Story Became a Classic
7/6/20261 hr 33 min
How did Kenneth Grahame come up with the idea for The Wind In The Willows? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what character would Tabby and Dominic be?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Wind In The Willows, the world it was born of, and the novel itself.
You can order The Wind In The Willows and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub
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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen
Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Video Editor: Bruno Di Castri
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsTabitha Syrett· Host0:01
This episode is brought to you by The Folio Society.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:04
The Wind in the Willows is a story that has lasted, and it's lasted for a reason. It's a tale in which friendship is the anchor, but adventure is the spark.
Tabitha Syrett· Host0:14
It actually started as a series of bedtime stories that Kenneth Grahame would write to his son, and it is rooted in the English countryside, and it paints a world that is both grand and rich, but cozy and warm.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:26
I love the lazy boating days with Ratty.
Tabitha Syrett· Host0:29
Yeah.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:29
Very much my character. [laughs] And, and Mole, who's very much you, Tabby. [laughs] There's the expedition to the Wild Wood. There's the fighting the weasels and the stoats. I love all that stuff.
Tabitha Syrett· Host0:38
Then we have the legendary Toad Hall, and that is home to the reckless and motorcar-obsessed Mr. Toad Sandbrook.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:46
[laughs] Very, very good banter there. Well done.
Tabitha Syrett· Host0:48
Thank you.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:49
Lots of people will know the story. However, uh, you won't know it in this amazing edition. It's the Folio Society edition. Genuinely, it's the most beautiful book. It's, like, one of the most beautiful books I own, I think.
Tabitha Syrett· Host1:01
Yeah, it absolutely is. It's something that you can treasure for the rest of your life.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host1:04
Folio's The Wind in the Willows is available now. Find your favorite story at foliosociety.com/thebookclub.
Speaker 31:13
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