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'To die will be an awfully big adventure.'Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up, is one of the immortals of children's literature. J. M. Barrie first created Peter Pan as a baby, living in secret with the birds and fairies in the middle of London, but as the children for whom he invented the stories grew older, so too did Peter, reappearing in Neverland, where he was aided in his epic battles by the motherly and resourceful Wendy Darling. Since then Peter Pan has become a cultural icon and symbol for escapism and innocence, remaining popular with both children and adults.In this collected edition, Robert Douglas-Fairhurst brings together five of the main versions of the Peter Pan story, from Peter Pan's first appearance in The Little White Bird, to his novelisation of the story, the stage version, and unrealised silent film script. This edition contains an introduction and notes, detailed explanatory notes, original illustrations, and appendices that include Barrie's coda to the play that was only performed once.ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
The central conflict arises from the tension between the desire for eternal childhood and the inevitable maturation of the human experience. Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, navigates the fantastical realm of Neverland, where he engages in perpetual conflict with Captain Hook and other threats. His objective is to maintain his carefree existence, often drawing children like Wendy Darling into his world to serve as mother figures. The narrative framework varies across the collected versions, shifting from the whimsical prose of early appearances to the structured dialogue of the stage play, all while maintaining a focus on the boundary between reality and imagination.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the enduring duality of the Peter Pan myth, noting its appeal to both children and adults. Discussion often centers on the darker, more melancholic undertones present in Barrie's writing, which contrast sharply with the whimsical surface of the story. Scholars appreciate this specific edition for its comprehensive gathering of disparate versions, which allows for a deeper understanding of how the character evolved over time. The inclusion of the silent film script and the rare coda provides a unique look at the author's creative intent. Overall, the work remains a subject of intense academic and popular interest due to its status as a foundational text in the fantasy genre.
Page Count:
528
Publication Date:
2023-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198878389
ISBN-13:
9780198878384
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