About
Sir James Matthew Barrie, born on 9 May 1860 in Kirriemuir, Scotland, is a writer best known for creating the character of Peter Pan. After studying at the University of Edinburgh, he worked as a journalist before moving to London in 1885. He achieved success with Scottish novels such as Auld Licht Idylls (1888) and The Little Minister (1891), then turned to theatre. His plays, including Quality Street (1901) and The Admirable Crichton (1902), were acclaimed. In 1904, his play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up premiered in London, achieving immense success. Barrie bequeathed the copyright of Peter Pan to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. He died on 19 June 1937 in London.
Major works
- The Little Minister (1891)novel
- Quality Street (1901)play
- The Admirable Crichton (1902)play
- Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (1904)play
- Peter and Wendy (1911)novel
Key milestones
- 1913Created a baronet.
- 1922Received the Order of Merit.
- 1930Becomes Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.
Themes
Childhood and imaginationRefusal to grow upEscape and adventureSocial critiqueNostalgia
Sources: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk · lccn.loc.gov · britannica.com