Milne on Wind in the Willows

"One can argue over the merit of most books, and in arguing understand the point of view of one's opponent. One may even come to the conclusion that possibly he is right after all. One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young 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. We can't criticize it, because it is criticizing us."

Moley and Ratty. These I made from sculpey to adorn my room.

and their home. . .

That is the stance my family takes on Kenneth Grahame's magnum opus. We practically live and breathe Wind in the Willows. The characters are our oldest friends, and any member of our household may be heard quoting him at any point without reference or explanation needed. We see A. A. Milne nearly the same, and he kindly agrees with us on this subject. The selection was taken from his introduction to The Wind in the Willows, and I hope you like it.