Kenneth Grahame

Kenneth Grahame, born in 1859 in Edinburgh, experienced early loss when his mother died, leading to a childhood in Berkshire with his grandmother. Excelling academically at St Edward’s School, Oxford, he abandoned hopes of attending university for financial reasons and instead pursued a career at the Bank of England. Writing alongside his banking career, Grahame gained acclaim for his collections like "Pagan Papers" and "The Golden Age."

In 1899, Grahame married Elsbeth Thomson, and their son Alastair inspired the bedtime stories that later formed "The Wind in the Willows." Despite initial rejection, the book became a timeless classic upon its publication in 1908. Grahame's later years were marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of his son. He lived a quiet life in Berkshire until his death in 1932, leaving behind a literary legacy cherished by readers worldwide.