Winnie the Pooh celebrates 100 years of literary legacy

The literary character Winnie the Pooh is approaching the centenary of A. A. Milne’s classic book, which was first published in 1926. To mark the occasion, the New York Public Library is hosting a special exhibition, and various commemorative programs are being organized in the United Kingdom.

The character was inspired by a real Canadian black bear cub purchased for 20 dollars in 1914 by Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinarian and lieutenant. The bear, named Winnipeg, became a mascot for soldiers during World War I. When Colebourn was deployed to the Western Front, he placed the bear in the London Zoo for safety.