The Wind in the Willows

By: Kenneth Grahame

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

The Wind in the Willows is a pastoral fantasy by Scottish writer Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. By turns slow moving and fast paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animals: Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger. They live in a rural version of Edwardian England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie. It is universally celebrated for its charming evocation of the Thames Valley countryside.

Author Kenneth Grahame described his timeless tale as: "...a book for those who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides.”

The story's classical themes and timeless archetypes make it one of the finest books for young people ever written, while Grahame's mastery of the English language makes it a joy for adults.

Public Domain (P)2020 Audio Connoisseur

Critic reviews

"The book is a test of character. We can't criticize it, because it is criticizing us. ... It is a Household Book; a book which everybody in the household loves, and quotes continually..." (A. A. Milne)

Classic Tales with a Classic Narration

Wind in the Willows is sure to be a work that many listens will want different narrators for each main character(s) however, Charlton Griffin has provided a fine single narrator performance. I do wish the titles rather than the chapter number was listed when selecting a chapter via the Audible app. I have provided them below. Thankfully, Griffin introduces each chapter with the corresponding chapter title.

1 The River Bank
2 The Open Road
3 The Wild Wood
4 Mr. Badger
5 Dulce Domum
6 Mr. Toad
7 The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
8 Toad’s Adventures
9 Wayfarers All
10 The Further Adventures Of Toad
11 "Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears”
12 The Return of Ulysses