Kenneth Grahame

Born in Edinburgh on March 8, 1859, Kenneth Grahame spent much of his childhood in Berkshire after early family losses. He was educated at St Edward’s School in Oxford, but instead of going on to university, he began working at the Bank of England, where he built a successful career.

While still working at the bank, he started publishing essays and stories that showed his gift for graceful, nostalgic writing. His early books included The Golden Age, Dream Days, and the much-loved story "The Reluctant Dragon."

Grahame’s most famous book, The Wind in the Willows, appeared in 1908 and became a lasting classic. Inspired in part by stories told for his son Alastair, it remains admired for its memorable animal characters, its comedy, and its deep affection for riverbanks, friendship, and home. Grahame died on July 6, 1932, in Pangbourne, England.