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The Life and Times of the Real Winnie-the-Pooh: The Teddy Bear Who Inspired A. A. Milne
The real stuffed bear that became an international symbol of hope. The beloved characters of the Hundred Acre Wood were created by author A.A. Milne with the help of his wife and young son. Through the combined imagination of one family, a playtime fantasy turned into an international phenomenon. Winnie the Pooh soon outgrew his old home, leaving the Milnes far behind. This biographical reference traces the steps of the actual stuffed bear, the Milne family, and the loveable character they created. It is the recorded beginnings and development of the internationally recognized bedtime story.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 22, 2018
A few days prior to beginning “The Life and Times of the Real Winnie-the-Pooh”, I read Ann Thwaite’s “Goodbye Christopher Robin: A.A. Milne and the Making of Winnie-the-Pooh”, which provided a nice context for and complement to this story. However, I would venture to say that “The Life and Times of the Real Winnie-the-Pooh” by Shirley Harrison was somewhat lighter fare, having for its main subject the eponymous bear himself. While of course A.A. Milne, Daphne Milne, Christopher Robin, and Nanny Nou each have their respective roles, along with E.H. Shepard and those responsible for the proliferation and preservation of Pooh through the years, more emphasis is placed on the background and cultural exposition of the bear.
This story, complete with handy inset notes describing certain details with which the reader might be unfamiliar, is truly a must-read for Pooh lovers everywhere, a nice blend of history and a travelogue of the original Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, all of whom currently reside at New York Children’s Library. Harrison’s research unearths fascinating tidbits of how Pooh became world-famous and the impact that this had upon not only the Milnes but also literature and the world itself. A list of charities benefiting from Winnie-the-Pooh’s legacy, as well as captioned photos, a “Pooh Lifeline” (a chronological timeline), and an index all serve to enhance the reading experience. For all of those the world over who have grown up with and been touched by the indomitable Pooh and his fellow Ashdown Forest companions, this book provides a nostalgic, memorable trip to the Hundred Acre Wood and beyond.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via the BookLikes Giveaway contest, and Pen and Sword Books kindly provided a different format when the original was incompatible with my computer.
This story, complete with handy inset notes describing certain details with which the reader might be unfamiliar, is truly a must-read for Pooh lovers everywhere, a nice blend of history and a travelogue of the original Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, all of whom currently reside at New York Children’s Library. Harrison’s research unearths fascinating tidbits of how Pooh became world-famous and the impact that this had upon not only the Milnes but also literature and the world itself. A list of charities benefiting from Winnie-the-Pooh’s legacy, as well as captioned photos, a “Pooh Lifeline” (a chronological timeline), and an index all serve to enhance the reading experience. For all of those the world over who have grown up with and been touched by the indomitable Pooh and his fellow Ashdown Forest companions, this book provides a nostalgic, memorable trip to the Hundred Acre Wood and beyond.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via the BookLikes Giveaway contest, and Pen and Sword Books kindly provided a different format when the original was incompatible with my computer.
November 28, 2011
Not likely to attract an audience of children, and with some dry chapters about the Milne's family friends and local acquaintances, this is still an intriguing bit of literary/publishing history. Harrison has talked to zillions of people (including me) and dug into all sorts of public and private archives to winkle out the history and travels of Christopher Milne's bear and other animal toys from the 1920's to the present day. She also fleshes out the tale with summary accounts of the Disney productions, various Pooh organizations and interpreters, the long standing legal battle over merchandising rights, significant anniversary celebrations, the Repatriation controversy, and odds and ends of teddy bear history and related side topics. It's readable (with the exceptions noted above), has lots of truly badly reproduced but rare photos, and I'd recommend at least the later chapters to anyone who has a New York Public Library connection or has visited Pooh and Friends in their present or former library home.
October 25, 2016
A treasure trove for those who grew up reading A. A. Milne's four children's books ... this is the very informative, very factual story of the actual, physical bear that was bought for Christopher Robin Milne at Harrod's long ago ... a perfect read for standing in line, waiting to do early voting in Houston ... offers a definite degree of serenity ...
January 3, 2026
Life And Times Of The Real Winnie-The-Pooh - Shirley Harrison
A Bear Is Born
Previously an agent for servants, it was there In 1871 that Joseph Kirby Farnell started a new business following the Victorian fashion for fancy goods - Such as tea-cosies, Pin-Cushions and elaborate cards for all occasions. This would almost certainly have included a limited toy collection. The Farnell name is all but forgotten by the general public today, although its memory is hugely respected by toy trade magazines and writers. Kathy Martin’s excellent book, Farnell Teddy Bears, places the company, for the first time, in its true historical context.
Strong evidence would suggest that Farnell (the maker of the very first Winnie-the-Pooh bear, although not named as that but as the ‘best bear in the world - Alpha Teddy Bear’ in 1921) had begun manufacturing the first soft, squashy, comforting, animal-inspired decorative items. This would place them just ahead of the, now famous, Margaret Steiff company in Germany.
“Mohair is the most durable, soft, huggable fabric. The Vintage bears of 100+ years ago, made with mohair, have stood the test of time.” ~ I’ve knitted some Teddy Bears over the last few years, but only simple ones and mainly in DK or Acrylic, but I’d love to make my own bear or two out of Alpaca, Cashmere or Mohair! 🐻 🥰
A 15 inch bear like Pooh, cost 10/6d. More varied sizes were supplied to Harrods costing up to 8/11d. The size and price variations were very important to Farnell and many were destined for smaller shops, serving less prosperous families. Teddy Bears these days can be very pricey as can collectible Bears… I know, I’ve started a collection! I have a bear whose history is unknown and I’m determined to find out more. 🧸
Sebastian Wormell, Harrods Archivist says, with pride: “Of all the many thousands of things Harrods has sold over the past century and a half, none was to achieve greater worldwide fame than this simple English Teddy Bear.”
I really need to go to London Zoo to see the bronze Winnie The Pooh statue. I’d love that, maybe I should put it on the 2026 bucket list of things to do in London? 🤔
I would totally recommend this book for any bear lover! This is a great read, not the most recent or up to date information but its a worthy read full or awesome facts. I love reading about the history of bears and there are a few books I absolutely need to get for my collection after reading this one. ❤️
A Bear Is Born
Previously an agent for servants, it was there In 1871 that Joseph Kirby Farnell started a new business following the Victorian fashion for fancy goods - Such as tea-cosies, Pin-Cushions and elaborate cards for all occasions. This would almost certainly have included a limited toy collection. The Farnell name is all but forgotten by the general public today, although its memory is hugely respected by toy trade magazines and writers. Kathy Martin’s excellent book, Farnell Teddy Bears, places the company, for the first time, in its true historical context.
Strong evidence would suggest that Farnell (the maker of the very first Winnie-the-Pooh bear, although not named as that but as the ‘best bear in the world - Alpha Teddy Bear’ in 1921) had begun manufacturing the first soft, squashy, comforting, animal-inspired decorative items. This would place them just ahead of the, now famous, Margaret Steiff company in Germany.
“Mohair is the most durable, soft, huggable fabric. The Vintage bears of 100+ years ago, made with mohair, have stood the test of time.” ~ I’ve knitted some Teddy Bears over the last few years, but only simple ones and mainly in DK or Acrylic, but I’d love to make my own bear or two out of Alpaca, Cashmere or Mohair! 🐻 🥰
A 15 inch bear like Pooh, cost 10/6d. More varied sizes were supplied to Harrods costing up to 8/11d. The size and price variations were very important to Farnell and many were destined for smaller shops, serving less prosperous families. Teddy Bears these days can be very pricey as can collectible Bears… I know, I’ve started a collection! I have a bear whose history is unknown and I’m determined to find out more. 🧸
Sebastian Wormell, Harrods Archivist says, with pride: “Of all the many thousands of things Harrods has sold over the past century and a half, none was to achieve greater worldwide fame than this simple English Teddy Bear.”
I really need to go to London Zoo to see the bronze Winnie The Pooh statue. I’d love that, maybe I should put it on the 2026 bucket list of things to do in London? 🤔
I would totally recommend this book for any bear lover! This is a great read, not the most recent or up to date information but its a worthy read full or awesome facts. I love reading about the history of bears and there are a few books I absolutely need to get for my collection after reading this one. ❤️
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February 19, 2018A fascinating read about a bear most of us know through literature and the boy Christopher Robin's real life adventures in the woods.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews