Wind in the Willows

There seems to be some vague memory hovering in my mind of watching a Wind in the Willows Movie or TV show back when I was young. I seem to remember it being not all that great...well, that's also my assessment of the book. However, it is the most beautifully written book that I've ever read. Here's a random excerpt of what I mean:

Never in his (Mole's) life had he seen a river before - this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again. All was a-shake and a-shiver - glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated. By the side of the river he trotted as one trots, when very small, by the side of a man who holds one spellbound by exciting stories; when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river chattered on to him a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea.

Isn't that a lovely word picture? The book did get a small bit better towards the end. I guess I should also remark that the word a** was in it a couple of times and not referring to donkeys. So, if you are looking for some lovely writing, this book may be for you. Otherwise, I'd choose something else.

My handsome boy got glasses last week