The Wind in the Willows
work hours. During this period he meets scholar Frederick James Furnivall, with whom he cultivates a literary relationship.1880 The New Shakespeare Society, founded by Furnivall, makes Grahame its honorary secretary. He begins publishing short pieces, including poems, under a pseudonym.1883 Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island is published.1886 Grahame makes his first voyage to Italy.1887 Although he has not had a relationship with his father since early youth, Grahame attends his funeral in Le Havre, France. Queen Victoria celebrates her jubilee.1890 Grahame visits Venice.1891 Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray and Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles appear.1893 Pagan Papers is published; the book comprises short essays that previously appeared under a pseudonym in W E. Henley’s respected National Observer. Despite his newfound success, Grahame keeps his Bank of England position.1895 The Golden Age, a series of fictionalized childhood remembrances, is published. The author makes another trip to Italy. H. G. Wells’s The Time Machine is published.1897 Bram Stoker’s Dracula is published.1898 Grahame is made secretary of the Bank of England. The Headswoman and Dream Days, the sequel to The Golden Age, are published; the latter includes Grahame’s best-known short story, “The Reluctant Dragon.”1899 Perhaps weakened by his childhood scarlet fever, Grahame is susceptible to illness and comes down with a severe chest ailment. A friend, Elspeth Thomson, nurses Grahame, and the two develop a romantic relationship. They marry on July 22.1900 A son, Alastair, is born. He suffers from blindness in one eye and will be unable to take part in many sports and activities while growing up.1901 Queen Victoria dies.1902 Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is published.1903 A man enters the Bank of England and randomly threatens Grahame with a gun; he is unharmed but shaken. Henry James publishes The Ambassadors.