Best Selling Books by J. M. Barrie

Extract: I. David and I Set Forth Upon a Journey Sometimes the little boy who calls me father brings me an invitation from his mother: "I shall be so pleased if you will come and see me," and I always reply in some such words as these: "Dear madam, I decline." And if David asks why I decline, I explain that it is because I have no desire to meet the woman. "Come this time, father," he urged lately, "for it is her birthday, and she is twenty-six," which is so great an age to David, that I think he fears she cannot last much longer. "Twenty-six, is she, David?" I replied. "Tell her I said she looks more." I had my delicious dream that night. I dreamt that I too was twenty-six, which was a long time ago, and that I took train to a place called my home, whose whereabouts I see not in my waking hours, and when I alighted at the station a dear lost love was waiting for me, and we went away together. She met me in no ecstasy of emotion, nor was I surprised to find her there; it was as if we had been married for years and parted for a day. I like to think that I gave her some of the things to carry. Were I to tell my delightful dream to David''s mother, to whom I have never in my life addressed one word, she would droop her head and raise it bravely, to imply that I make her very sad but very proud, and she would be wishful to lend me her absurd little pocket handkerchief. And then, had I the heart, I might make a disclosure that would startle her, for it is not the face of David''s mother that I see in my dreams. James Matthew Barrie, better known under the signature of J. M. Barrie (Kirriemuir, May 9, 1860 - London, 19 June 1937), 1st Baronet, is a writer and Scottish playwright, famous for creating the character of Peter Pan. During his years of study in Glasgow, James Barrie makes friends (Stuart Gordon, Welwood Anderson), he discovers Shakespeare and the theater and up a troupe of amateurs with his comrades. He entered the University of Edinburgh in 1878, which showed four years later with a Master of Arts (MA). He worked as a reporter for the Journal of Nottingham there he contracted the habit of smoking the pipe that exalt in My Lady Nicotine in 1890. He moved to London in his account in 1885 and collaborates with various newspapers. He noted in 1889 by the publication of a collection of chronicles, The Eleven of Edinburgh. In 1890 Barrie made a small room, The Phantom of Ibsen, who ridicules the Norwegian playwright popular on the London stage. His novel, The little minister some success in 1891 and in 1892 our young author Conan Doyle met with whom he becomes friends. His play, A professor''s love story, also met with great success and in 1894 he married the same year, the actress Mary Ansell, but the marriage will fail. Childless, the couple divorced in 1909 at the request of the wife (who took a lover) and against the will of the writer who opposes separation. J. M. Barrie was a menu and slender man, small. It has sometimes emphasized his almost childlike approach (like his hero Peter who will not grow). It is assumed that this unusual character was asexual and it was one of the reasons for divorce (see Peter Pan Syndrome). In 1897, in Kensington Park, James Barrie meets the Llewelyn Davies children (George, Jack and Peter) for which he imagines the adventures of Peter Pan. Our author binds to parents, Sylvia, daughter of writer George du Maurier, and Arthur, respected lawyer.

Peter Pan and Wendy by J. M. Barrie. Illustrated by Mabel Lucie Attwell. Reproduction of 1921 Edition.

Peter Pan is a mischievous boy who decided he would never grow up. When he convinces Wendy Darling and her brothers to fly away with him, they travel to the island of Neverland in an enchanted world where adventures await around every corner. But when nefarious pirate Captain Hook captures Wendy and the boys, will Peter and the fairy Tinker Bell be able to save them? First published in 1911 with illustrations by F. D. Bedford, this is an unabridged version of Scottish author and playwright J. M. Barrie''s iconic fantasy for children—and children at heart.

In "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens," J. M. Barrie crafts a whimsical narrative that transports readers to the enchanting world of London''Äôs Kensington Gardens, blending fantasy and reality. This lyrical novella, illustrated by Arthur Rackham, serves as a prelude to Barrie''s iconic play, "Peter Pan," and introduces the character of Peter, a spirited boy who refuses to grow up. Barrie''s signature prose style is characterized by its rich imagery and playful tone, capturing the essence of childhood wonder while imbuing deeper themes of loss and nostalgia, showcasing his keen observations of the interplay between innocence and adulthood in the Edwardian era. J. M. Barrie, a Scottish playwright and novelist, drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences and his friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family, whom he befriended following the untimely death of their parents. His connection to the tragic realities of life infuses the narrative with a bittersweet quality, as Barrie sought to immortalize the joy and fleeting nature of childhood through his storytelling. His personal reflections on the themes of imagination, adventure, and the bittersweet nature of growing up resonate powerfully throughout this work, making it a poignant commentary on the human experience. "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" is a must-read for anyone who cherishes the magic of childhood and the poignant reminder of its transience. With its enchanting prose and captivating illustrations, it invites readers of all ages to reflect on the joys and sorrows of youth. Whether you are revisiting Barrie''s classic tale or encountering it for the first time, this novella offers a timeless exploration of the spaces where dreams and reality collide, rendering it essential for lovers of literature.

Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn''t Grow Up or Peter and Wendy, often known simply as Peter Pan, is a work by J. M. Barrie, in the form of a 1904 play and a 1911 novel. Both versions tell the story of Peter Pan, a mischievous yet innocent little boy who can fly, and has many adventures on the island of Neverland that is inhabited by mermaids, fairies, Native Americans and pirates. The Peter Pan stories also involve the characters Wendy Darling and her two brothers, Peter''s fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and the pirate Captain Hook. The play and novel were inspired by Barrie''s friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. Barrie continued to revise the play for years after its debut until publication of the play script in 1928.

All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, ''Oh, why can''t you remain like this for ever!'' This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn''t Grow Up or Peter and Wendy is J. M. Barrie''s most famous work, in the form of a 1904 play and a 1911 novel. Both versions tell the story of Peter Pan, a mischievous little boy who can fly, and his adventures on the island of Neverland with Wendy Darling and her brothers, the fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and the pirate Captain Hook. The play and novel were inspired by Barrie''s friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. Barrie continued to revise the play for years after its debut until publication of the play script in 1928.

In this lively and engaging four-act play, Peter Pan author J. M. Barrie tackles the touchy subject of women''s roles in marriage with his trademark wit and insight. In an agreement more akin to a business transaction than a whirlwind romance, the Wylies secure the engagement of their good-hearted but plain daughter Maggie to an up-and-coming law student. Over the years, Maggie quietly works her magic behind the scenes, engineering her husband''s stratospheric rise. But will it be enough to win his love and respect?

Peter is a seven-day-old infant who, "like all infants", used to be part bird. Peter has complete faith in his flying abilities, so, upon hearing a discussion of his adult life, he is able to escape out of the window of his London home and return to Kensington Gardens. Upon returning to the Gardens, Peter is shocked to learn from the crow Solomon Caw that he is not still a bird, but more like a human - Solomon says he is crossed between them as a "Betwixt-and-Between". Unfortunately, Peter now knows he cannot fly, so he is stranded in Kensington Gardens.

In Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, J.M. Barrie first created Peter Pan as a baby, living a wild and secret life with birds and fairies in the middle of London. Later Barrie let this remarkable child grow a little older and he became the boy-hero of Neverland, making his first appearance, with Wendy, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys, in Peter and Wendy. The Peter Pan stories were Barrie''s only works for children but, as their persistent popularity shows, their themes of imaginative escape continue to charm even those who long ago left Neverland. This is the first edition to include both texts in one volume and the first to a present an extensively annotated text for Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens.

The original and classic story written by J.M.Barrie and first published in 1906 is the story of Peter Pan in London''s Kensignton Gardens. With cover artwork and inside illustrations by the great illustrator Arthur Rackham. Acclaimed by the Times of London as ''one of the most charming books ever written.''

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

PETER PAN [PETER AND WENDY] - (illustrated) by J. M. Barrie Classic book original Version Peter Pan, the book based on J.M. Barrie''s famous play, is filled with unforgettable characters: Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up; the fairy, Tinker Bell; the evil pirate, Captain Hook; and the three children--Wendy, John, and Michael--who fly off with Peter Pan to Neverland, where they meet Indians and pirates and a crocodile that ticks. Renowned children''s-book artist Michael Hague has brought the amazing adventures of Peter Pan to life. His beautiful illustrations capture the wild, seductive power of this classic book. This newly designed edition will be enjoyed by fans young and old alike.

Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1st Baronet OM (9 May 1860 - 19 June 1937), more commonly known as J. M. Barrie, was a Scottish novelist and dramatist. He is best remembered for creating Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up, whom he based on his friends, the Llewelyn Davies boys. He is also credited with popularising the name "Wendy", which was very uncommon before he gave it to the heroine of Peter Pan. He was made a baronet in 1913; his baronetcy was not inherited. He was made a member of the Order of Merit in 1922.

Peter Pan (Peter and Wendy) by J.M. Barrie Unabridged 1911 Original Version

Peter Pan (Peter and Wendy) by J.M. Barrie Unabridged 1911 Original Version

Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn''t Grow Up or Peter and Wendy is J. M. Barrie''s most famous work, in the form of a 1904 play and a 1911 novel. Both versions tell the story of Peter Pan, a mischievous yet innocent little boy who can fly, and has many adventures on the island of Neverland that is inhabited by mermaids, fairies, Native Americans and pirates. The Peter Pan stories also involve the characters Wendy Darling and her two brothers, Peter''s fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and the pirate Captain Hook. The play and novel were inspired by Barrie''s friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family. Barrie continued to revise the play for years after its debut until publication of the play script in 1928.