The Wind in The Willows

There on the corner of a lovely table, was a blue hardcover book with a gold leaf illustration of a frog wearing an elaborate costume.

I picked up the book and read the spine. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS.

Yes, the illustration is of Toad. I was thrilled and knew I had found a lost treasure.

I carefully looked though the pages, and was thrilled to find the illustrations I have come to love as a child, and those from my own daughter's childhood.

This 1940 edition, by Kenneth Grahame was illustrated by the famous Arthur Rackham. This is the last book that Arthur Rackham illustrated before he died.

The book is in perfect condition, with all bookplates inside. Twelve color illustrations in all.

There are also some lovely black and white renderings at the introduction of each chapter.

In the introduction, there is a letter from Theodore Roosevelt sharing had much he has loved this book.

The book measures 9 x 6 x 9 inches, with a lovely blue hardcover with gold lettering.



This book was published by Heritage Press, and printed in 1940. The Heritage Illustrated Bookshelf, A limited Edition Club.



I understand that in 2012 there will be a new movie based on the book. Such a rare book, and so lovingly cared for, one would think that it was a collectible sitting on a shelf all these years.

The Wind In The Willows, placed in my etsy shop, For The Love of Old Books.