Kenneth Grahame

Profession: Writer

Nationality:

Biography: Kenneth Grahame is best known for writing "The Wind in the Willows" (1908), a classic children's book. The book is about the adventures of animals who live by a river, including Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger.

Grahame was born in Scotland, but moved to England as a young boy after his mother died. He went to St Edward's School in Oxford, where he excelled in his studies as well as in sports. He wanted to study at Oxford University, but instead began work at the Bank of England when he was 19 years old.

Grahame worked at the bank for many years, becoming its youngest Secretary when he was 39. At the same time, he also wrote stories and essays which were published in magazines. He released three collections of his writing: "Pagan Papers" (1893), "The Golden Age" (1895), and "Dream Days" (1898).

In 1899, Grahame married Elspeth Thomson. They had a son, Alastair, in 1900, who was born early and had problems with his eyesight. Grahame retired from the bank in 1908, the same year he published "The Wind in the Willows.” The book was not a big success at first, but later became a well-loved classic.

Grahame's son Alastair died in 1920 when he was 20 years old. There were rumors he took his own life. After this, Grahame and his wife spent several years traveling in Italy. Grahame passed away in 1932 from bleeding in his brain. He left the money he earned from his books to the Bodleian Library.

During his life, Grahame was friends with other writers and artists. William Ernest Henley, who edited a magazine called the National Observer, encouraged him to become a full-time writer. Aubrey Beardsley, an artist, illustrated Grahame's first book, "Pagan Papers.” Grahame's cousin Anthony Hope, also a writer, was his best man at his wedding and wrote the words for his gravestone.

Born: March 8, 1859
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: July 6, 1932 (aged 73)