The Dark Odyssey Hidden Inside The Wind in the Willows

How did Kenneth Grahame come up with the idea for The Wind In The Willows? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what character would Tabby and Dominic be? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Wind In The Willows, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order The Wind in the Willows and explore our favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebookclub 00:00 Why is The Wind in the Willows much deeper than you remember? 01:24 Folio Society 02:44 Why has this book lasted for almost 120 years? 10:24 The tragic childhood behind Kenneth Grahame’s fantasy world 18:34 The Bank of England clerk who refused to grow up 22:40 The strange marriage behind The Wind in the Willows 28:52 The real boy who became Mr Toad 31:41 How bedtime stories became a classic nobody wanted 40:21 How Mr Toad took over the story 43:19 Why are there no women in The Wind in the Willows? 49:02 Why this book should not really work 51:55 Are you Mole, Rat, Badger or Toad? 58:47 What does the Wild Wood really represent? 01:02:13 Why does a pagan god appear in the book? 01:08:02 Why Mr Toad represents the tragedy of old England 01:17:22 The sad final chapter of Kenneth Grahame’s life 01:20:38 Final verdict: is The Wind in the Willows a masterpiece? Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Bruno Di Castri Executive Producer: Dom Johnson