Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

J. M. Barrie

Apr 2021 · Good Press

About this ebook

J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens' is a whimsical and enchanting collection of stories that takes readers on a journey through a magical world where fairies, mermaids, and dragons coexist. Written in Barrie's signature playful style, the book is a delightful mix of fantasy and imagination, perfect for readers of all ages. The vivid descriptions and vivid imagery bring the fantastical world of Kensington Gardens to life, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy escapism and the wonders of childhood. Barrie's narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of adventure, friendship, and the importance of cherishing the innocence of youth. This collection serves as a prequel to the timeless classic 'Peter Pan,' offering insight into the origins of the beloved character and the fantastical world he inhabits. With its timeless themes and timeless appeal, 'Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens' is a must-read for anyone looking to recapture the magic of childhood and explore the boundless possibilities of the imagination.

About the author

James Matthew Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland. His idyllic boyhood was shattered by his brother's death when Barrie was six. His own grief and that of his mother influenced the rest of his life. Through his work, he sought to recapture the carefree joy of his first six years. Barrie came to London as a freelance writer in 1885. His early fiction, Auld Licht Idylls (1888) and A Window in Thrums (1889), were inspired by his youth in Kirriemuir. After publishing a biography of his mother Margaret Ogilvy and the autobiographical novel Sentimental Tommy, about a boy living in a dream world (1896), he concentrated on writing plays. The Admirable Crichton (1902), the story of a butler who becomes king of a desert island, helped to establish Barrie's reputation as a playwright. Meanwhile, he began to relive his childhood by telling the first Peter Pan stories to the sons of his friend, Sylvia Llewellyn Davies. The play Peter Pan was first performed in 1904 and published as a novel seven years later. Its imaginative drama, featuring the eternal boy's triumph over the grownup Captain Hook, idealizes childhood and underscores adults' inability to regain it. These resonant themes made it a classic of world literature. Barrie's later work shows his increasingly cynical view of adulthood, particularly in Dear Brutus (1917). Often considered his finest play, it concerns nine men and women whose caprices destroy a miraculous opportunity to relive their lives. Barrie married the former Mary Ansell in 1894. They divorced in 1909, never having any children. Barrie died in London on June 19, 1937.