The Literature Network - His tales from the riverbank delighted generations of young children. But for their Scottish author, the stories masked a secret life of rejection, alcoholism and the death of his only child.

His tales from the riverbank delighted generations of young children. But for their Scottish author, the stories masked a secret life of rejection, alcoholism and the death of his only child.

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From: The Daily Mail (London, England)
Date: 20061230
Author:

Byline: JEREMY HODGES

FOR a century, his tales of the riverbank have charmed the world, but for Kenneth Grahame, the adventures of the mole, the water rat and the irrepressible Mr Toad were tinged with sorrow. As millions enjoy a new BBC dramatisation of The Wind in the Willows at New Year, few know the sad story of the Scotsman who created a very English idyll.

Despite the book's lasting fame, the deeply private Grahame was dismissive of his adoring public: 'They liked the subject matter. They did not even notice the source of all the agony and all the joy.' When he ...

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