London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1931. First thus. First edition featuring the illustrations of Ernest H. Shepard. One of 200 copies signed by the author and illustrator. A lovely, Near Fine copy. With text illustrations by Shepard throughout, plus a folding map at rear. Publisher's quarter green buckram over gray paper boards. Printed paper label to spine. Lacking the plain dust jacket. A bit of toning to edges of boards and slight lean to spine. Edges untrimmed and a bit toned. Otherwise, clean throughout. An excellent copy of a very attractive edition.

The Wind in the Willows, Grahame's famed children's novel, was first published in 1908 and introduces the beloved Mr. Toad, Rat, Badger, and Mole. Grahame began writing the book in his late forties after leaving his position as Secretary of the Bank of England. Much of the plot of The Wind in the Willows had its origins both in the bedtime stories Grahame had invented to tell his own son, and in Grahame’s childhood experiences in Berkshire county. The book might not have been published if not for the efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt, who lobbied Methuen to release it. While reviews were mixed, the book became a classic – and would be adapted by A.A. Milne into the well known play Toad of Toad Hall in1929. “The Wind in the Willows is a worthy companion to The Golden Age and Dream Days. It is whimsical, fascinating by its apparent seriousness and that sense of underlying poetry which Mr. Grahame somehow manages to convey through all his nonsense” (contemporary New York Times review).

Ernest H. Shepard (1879 – 1976) is best known for providing the iconic illustrations for Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh series (1924 – 1928). He also illustrated editions of Grahame's The Golden Age and Dream Days (both 1948). Near Fine (Item #8088)