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It took me many years and a lot of persuasion on the part of the Book God to finally get around to reading The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. I’m not sure exactly why I was so reluctant; it may be the combination of a very English story with a rural setting didn’t have much appeal for a Scottish townie (ironic given that Grahame was born in Edinburgh), but when I did finally read it I instantly became a fan. One of the joys of the story, apart from the Piper at the Gates of Dawn which must be my favourite chapter, is the way that it has attracted some wonderful illustrators. I already have editions with artwork by Arthur Rackham and Charles van Sandwyck, and now this marvellous version by Robert Ingpen produced to mark the centenary of the original publication, the drawings of Badger being particuarly fine. A real joy.