A.A.Milne: His Life

 

Alan Alexander Milne was born in Hampstead, London on 18th January 1882. His parents John Vine and Sarah Maria Milne, both worked as school teachers. Alan had two older brothers named Ken and Barry. Alan entered Henley House school in September 1888, and in 1893 he won a scholarship to Westminster, and joined his brother Ken there that Autumn. In 1900 Alan progressed to Trinity College, Cambridge. He became editor of of "Granta" an undergraduate magazine, and in 1906 aged only 24 he became assistant editor of "Punch" a satirical magazine.

Alan married Daphne de Selincourt on June 24th 1913. With the start of the war in 1914 Milne was commissioned to the Warwickshire regiment. While serving in France he developed trench fever and was sent home. Milne spent his time writing plays and still contributed to "Punch". His first big success came 1920 with his play "Mr Pim Passes By"

In August their only son Christopher Robin was born. In 1925 the Milnes moved to Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, East Sussex, which is on the outskirts of Ashdown Forest. Alan wrote a collection of Children's poems including his famous "vespers" which was originally written as a gift for his wife. E.H. Shepard provided the illustrations and on November 6th 1924 "When We Were Young" was Published. He dedicated it to Billy Moon, which was his nickname for Christopher.

In 1925 Milne wrote a Christmas story for the Evening News a New Story for Children "Winnie the Pooh" about Christopher Robin and his Teddy Bear. Pooh had made his first appearance!

The Beautiful Ashdown Forest provided the perfect location to set the Winnie the Pooh stories.

Milne and Shepard walked together through the forest, Shepard sketching Gills Lap, the bridge and all the other enchanted places, which were to appear in the books. Christopher Robin used to play in the forest and would cross the little bridge when it was time to return home.

Winnie the Pooh was published in London on 14th October 1926, and Winnie the Pooh and friends were born. "Now We Are Six" his second book of children's poetry was published in 1927. "The House At Pooh Corner" was published the following year.

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