A.A. Milne

Winnie the Pooh and Piglet at the New York Public Library

Winnie the Pooh and Piglet at the New York Public Library by Bonita Club

Children’s author Alan Alexander (A.A.) Milne was born on January 18, 1882 in London.

Milne attended Cambridge University and studied mathematics and wrote for the student publication, Granta. After graduating, he began writing for Punch, the famous British humor magazine, where he eventually became an assistant editor. A.A. Milne wrote novels, non-fiction, plays, screenplays and poetry. He is best know, however, for his children’s stories.

In 1925, Milne published his first story featuring the characters Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh,who were based upon his son Christopher and his stuffed bear, Edward. His book, Winnie-the-Pooh, was published in 1926 and was an instant success. A second book, The House at Pooh Corner, followed in 1928. Both books, along with other works, were illustrated by another Punch alumnus, Ernest Shepard.

Milne continued writing, primarily for an adult audience, for many years, but remains best known for his children’s works. His son, Christopher, fought in World War II as a young man, later married and became a successful bookseller. He wrote several books, himself, including…

In 1952, Milne suffered a stroke and underwent neurosurgery. He never recovered and was an invalid until his death on January 31, 1956. His wife later sold the rights to all the Pooh characters to the Disney Company.

Winnie the Pooh

  • Page at Pooh Corner — This site includes a biographical information about A.A. Milne, Christopher Milne (the real “Christopher Robin”) and Ernest Shepard, the illustrator of many of Milne’s books. It also includes a timeline of Milne’s life and background information about the origin of Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
  • Pooh’s Story — The character, “Winnie-the-Pooh” was based upon Christopher Milne’s teddy bear, “Edward.” But where did the name “Winnie-the Pooh” come from? This page offers various accounts of how Pooh got his name.
  • The New York Adventures of the Real Winnie-the-Pooh — If you have ever wondered, “where they are now?” you will be happy to know that Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore and friends are safe and sound at the New York Public Library. See images of the original stuffed animals and find out how they came to the NYPL.
  • The Same Pooh Bear, but an Otter Has Arrived — In 2009, the first authorized sequel to the Pooh Stories, Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, was published amidst some controversy.
  • Ashdown Forest — Learn about Pooh Bear’s natural habitat.

Christopher Robin