Pagan Papers

Kenneth Grahame

May 2021 · Good Press

About this ebook

Kenneth Grahame's 'Pagan Papers' delves into the intersection of nature, mythology, and society in late 19th-century literature. Through a collection of essays and stories, Grahame explores the tensions between progress and tradition, civilization and the wild, in a thought-provoking and poetic manner. His writing style is marked by a deep appreciation for the natural world, with vivid descriptions and rich symbolism that invite readers to reflect on humanity's place within a larger cosmic order. 'Pagan Papers' stands out as a unique blend of fantasy, social commentary, and philosophical inquiry, making it a significant work in the literary landscape of its time. Kenneth Grahame, known for his classic 'The Wind in the Willows,' was deeply influenced by his love for nature and folklore. His personal experiences and observations of the world around him informed his writing, and 'Pagan Papers' serves as a testament to his keen insights and imaginative vision. Grahame's ability to seamlessly weave together narrative and ideas makes this collection a captivating and intellectually stimulating read for those interested in literary exploration. I highly recommend 'Pagan Papers' to readers who appreciate philosophical literature and symbolic storytelling. Grahame's masterful craftsmanship and profound reflections on the natural world make this book a valuable addition to any discerning reader's collection.

About the author

Kenneth Grahame was born in Edinburgh on March 3, 1859. When he was five years old, his mother died of scarlet fever and he nearly died himself, of the same disease. His father became an alcoholic and sent the children to Berkshire to live with relatives. They were later reunited with their father, but after a failed year, the children never heard from him again. Sometime later, one of his brothers died at the age of fifteen. He attended St. Edward's School as a child and intended to go on to Oxford University, but his relatives wanted him to go into banking. He worked in his uncle's office, in Westminster, for two years then went to work at the Bank of England as a clerk in 1879. He spent nearly thirty years there and became the Secretary of the Bank at the age of thirty-nine. He retired from the bank right before The Wind in the Willows was published in 1908. He wrote essays on topics that included smoking, walking and idleness. Many of the essays were published as the book Pagan Papers (1893) and the five orphan characters featured in the papers were developed into the books The Golden Age (1895) and Dream Days (1898). The Wind in the Willows (1908) was based on bedtime stories and letters to his son and it is where the characters Rat, Badger, Mole and Toad were created. In 1930, Milne's stage version was brought to another audience in Toad of Toad Hall. Grahame died on July 6, 1932.