Winnie-the-Pooh marks 100 years since publication

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 23:07 · Archive

Winnie-the-Pooh was published on 14 October 1926 and has been celebrated with Radio 4 programmes, Royal Mail stamps and a Google doodle.

Winnie-the-Pooh reached its centenary this week, marked by special Radio 4 programmes introduced by the queen, a collection of Royal Mail stamps and a Google doodle. The bear, created by AA Milne and illustrated by EH Shepard, was published on 14 October 1926 and had sold 150,000 copies in the United States by the end of that year.

Despite its enduring popularity with generations of children, the character was resented by both Milne, whose dramatic work was overshadowed by the bear's success, and his son Christopher Robin Milne. Some literary figures were also dismissive. Dorothy Parker wrote sarcastically: 'It is that word "hummy", that makes the first place at which Tonstant Weader fwowed up'. PG Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh were equally sceptical of the stories.

Winnie-the-Pooh was voted number 7 in the BBC Big Read poll in 2003. Its position as Britain's favourite bear is now challenged by a younger rival: Michael Bond's A Bear Called Paddington, published on 13 October 1958, separated from Pooh's centenary by 32 years and one day. The two polite and accident-prone bears differ in their tastes: one favours honey, the other marmalade.

How it is being reported

• The real story behind Winnie the Pooh, the 100-year-old cartoon bearChildhood favorite Winnie the Pooh is turning 100 this month. The story was written in England but quickly found a special place in the hearts of Americans. Tina Kraus and Bradley Blackburn team up to share this transatlantic tale.CBS News · 17 Oct, 22:53
• The Guardian view on Winnie-the-Pooh: now we are 100 | EditorialHe may have been eclipsed by the more progressive Paddington of late, but AA Milne’s creation is not just a Silly Old Bear “Pooh, promise you won’t forget about me, ever. Not even when I’m a hundred,” Christopher Robin implores his bear in the final chapter of AA Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner. This week Winnie-the-Pooh himself turned 100, and he certainly hasn’t been forgotten. Birthday celebrations have included a week of special programmes , introduced by the queen, on Radio 4; a collection of Royal Mail stamps ; and a Google doodle . Not bad for “a bear of very little brain” who…The Guardian · 16 Oct, 17:52

In this story: Winnie-the-Pooh · AA Milne · EH Shepard · Christopher Robin Milne · Dorothy Parker · Paddington · Royal Mail · BBC

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