The Willows in Winter (Tales of the Willows) - Softcover

Horwood, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312148259 ISBN 13: 9780312148256

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 1996

Synopsis

For now, in an act of homage and celebration, William Horwood has brought to life once more the four most-loved characters in English literature: the loyal Mole, the resourceful Water Rat, the stern but wise Badger, and, of course, the exasperating, irresistible Toad. The result is an enchanting, unforgettable new novel, enlivened by delightful illustrations, in which William Horwood has recaptured all the joy, magic, and good humor of Grahame's great work - and Toad is still as exasperatingly lovable as he ever was.

About this title

Review:

Traditionalists might well shudder at the thought of a sequel to a classic--especially one written by an author other than the original. But even devout fans of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows will breathe more easily once they pass the first sentence of The Willows in Winter. William Horwood, while resisting slavish mimicry, remains true to the spirit of the original. Not many writers could follow such a tough act, but Horwood manages to create a story every bit as heartwarming and exciting as the first. Blustery Toad is up to his naughty old tricks, after a long period of enforced goodness. Through a comedy--and near-tragedy--of errors, Toad, along with resourceful Rat, loyal Mole, and wise Badger, is drawn into an extended wild goose chase that lasts all winter. With plummeting airplanes, tumbles in the freezing river, and courtroom high drama, this is not to be a winter of cozy hibernation. Patrick Benson's finely crosshatched illustrations transport the reader back to the familiar River and the always-looming great Wild Wood. Horwood and Benson's masterful teamwork is a tribute to the 90-year-old classic that Grahame himself would have been proud to see. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author:

William Horwood is the author of the critically acclaimed Duncton trilogies. He lives outside of Oxford.

Patrick Benson studied at the Chelsea Art School and St. Martin's School of Art. He also lives in England.

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0312148259
• ISBN 13: 9780312148256
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304
• Illustrator: Benson Patrick