A. A. Milne was 74 years old when he died in 1956.
Milne was born on 18 January 1882 and died on 31 January 1956, shortly after his 74th birthday. He spent his later years at Cotchford Farm in Hartfield, East Sussex, the country home associated with the creation of the Pooh stories.
Before Pooh made him famous, Milne was active as a playwright, novelist, poet, and contributor to Punch. He also served in both world wars, including as a lieutenant in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment during the First World War and as a captain in the Home Guard during the Second World War.
His death did not end the publication of Pooh material. The original books continued to be reprinted and translated, while later licensed works and adaptations introduced the characters to new generations. British copyright in Milne’s text has a separate history from copyright in Shepard’s illustrations.