In the introduction to Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic The Wind in the Willows – a book for every age, really – AA Milne writes, “One does not argue about the [book]. The man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly.
The book is a test of character.” He proceeds to add, “When you sit down to it, don’t be so ridiculous so as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgement of yourself.
You may be worthy: I don’t know. But it is you who is on trial.” The sternly worded introduction opens into the adventures of Rat, Mole, Badger, and Mr Toad starting with Mole deciding to ditch his spring cleaning and instead visit the river.
There he meets his friend Rat, a water vole, and they spend the warm days together. Taking a break from their leisurely days, the two decide to visit the “preposterous” Mr Toad, owner of Toad Hall, who boasts of – and indeed possesses – handsome riches but not much wisdom. Somewhat corrupted by his high standing in society, Mr Toad easily falls prey to the latest trends and fads.
Four’s a party Mole and Rat accompany Mr Toad on an excursion on his fancy horse-drawn carriage but they are met with a rude surprise. A speeding motorcar frightens the horse and wreaks havoc on the merry party. However, Mr Toad is barel.