The Wind in the Willows The Wind in the Willows The Wind in the Willows is a children's novel by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. Alternately slow-moving and fast-paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animals in a pastoral version of Edwardian England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie, and celebrated for its evocation of the nature of the Thames Valley. In 1908, Grahame retired from his position as secretary of the Bank of England. He moved back to Berkshire, where he had lived as a child, and spent his time by the River Thames doing much as
Scottish literature in the nineteenth century same extent in Scotland, but did produce a number of significant publications. These included Elizabeth Hamilton's (1756?–1816), "Cottagers of Glenburnie" (1808), Mary Brunton's (1778–1818) "Discipline" (1814) and Christian Johnstone's "Clan-Albin" (1815). Walter Scott's first prose work, "Waverley" in 1814, is often called the first historical novel, and launched a highly successful career as a novelist. His early work dealt with Scottish history, particularly of the Highlands and Borders and included "Rob Roy" (1817) and "The Heart of Midlothian" (1818). Beginning with "Ivanhoe" (1820) he turned to English history and began the European vogue for his work. He did more than