J.M. Barrie
J.M. Barrie (James Matthew Barrie) was born on May 9th, 1860. J.M. passed away June 19th, 1937 at 77 years old. J.M. Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland. Barrie attended the University of Edinburgh where he received a Master of Arts degree.
J.M. Barrie is known for writing in the Classics genre.
J.M. Barrie is a playwright and novelist that is best remembered for creating Peter Pan.
James was a small child and he drew attention to himself by telling stories. He only grew to be 5 feet 3 1/2 inches.
His older brother David (their mom’s favorite) died in an ice skating accident, the day before his 14th birthday. It left his mom devastated, but she took solace in the fact that her dead son would stay a boy forever, never to grow up and leave her. They eventually entertained themselves with tales of her short childhood and books like
Robinson Crusoe, works by Walter Scott, and
The Pilgrim’s Progress.
When he was 14, he went to Dumfries Academy, and became a voracious reader, fond of penny dreadfuls and James Fenimore Cooper and Robert Michael Ballantyne. While at Dumfries, he and his buddies spent time in the garden of Moat Brae house, playing pirates in a type of Odyssey which was long afterwards to be the play of
Peter Pan.
He knew that he wanted to follow a career as an author, but his family tried talking him into picking a profession like the ministry. He worked out a compromise where he’d attend university but would study literature.
He moved to London, where he wrote a number of successful plays and novels. It was also where he met the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to write about this baby boy that has some magical adventures in Kensington Gardens, which was first included in
The Little White Bird, his adult novel, and later to write
Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, a West End “fairy play” about this ageless boy and one ordinary girl that have adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland.
Even though he continued writing successfully,
Peter Pan overshadowed everything, and is credited with popularizing the girls’ name Wendy. He unofficially adopted the Davies boys after their parents died.
Before he died, he gave the rights of Peter Pan works to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, which still benefits from them.
Peter Pan follows the adventures of one mischievous young boy called Peter Pan. Peter, who refuses to grow up, lives in Neverland, this magical place filled with mermaids, pirates, and fairies. With help from the Lost Boys and the Darling children, Peter bravely battles against evil Captain Hook and his pirate crew in this endless chase around the magical island.
Here is a timeless story of adventure, imagination, and friendship which has captured the hearts of generations and is still a beloved classic to this very day. The enchanted and imaginative adventure which will teach them how to embrace their inner child and to never quit dreaming.
J.M. Barrie: Lists & Other Mentions
- Peter and Wendy was a BBC: 100 Greatest Childrens Books of All Time Selection in 2023 and a Waterstones: The Books You've Always Meant to Read Selection in 2020.
- Sentimental Tommy was a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1896 and 1897.
- Margaret Ogilvy was a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1897.
- Peter Pan was a BBC: Radio Oxford 100 Books You Must Read Before You Die Selection in 2020.
Related Authors
Fans of J.M. Barrie also enjoy these authors:
- C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles Of Narnia Series.
- Roald Dahl, author of the Charlie Bucket Series.
- L.M. Montgomery, author of the Anne Shirley Series.
- Lewis Carroll, author of the Alice in Wonderland Series.
- E.B. White, author of: Charlotte's Web.
- Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of: The Secret Garden.
- Lemony Snicket, author of the A Series Of Unfortunate Events Series.
- Dr. Seuss, author of: Green Eggs and Ham.
- L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz Series.
- Louis Sachar, author of the Holes Series.
J.M. Barrie: F.A.Q
When was J.M. Barrie Born?
J.M. Barrie was born on May 9th, 1860.
When did J.M. Barrie die?
J.M. Barrie died on June 19th, 1937 at 77 years old.
Where was J.M. Barrie Born?
J.M. Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.
What was the first book J.M. Barrie wrote?
The first book written by J.M. Barrie was Better Dead, published in 1887.
What was the most recent book J.M. Barrie wrote?
His most recently released work was An Edinburgh Eleven and Better Dead on October 9th, 2018.
What is the most popular book by J.M. Barrie?
Based on the number of readers on Book Notification, the most popular J.M. Barrie book is
Peter Pan. Here are his most popular books:
- Peter Pan (7.55)
- Peter and Wendy (10)
- Mary Rose A Play In Three Acts (10)
- The Little Minister (10)
What genres does J.M. Barrie Write?
J.M. Barrie primarily writes in the Classics genre. His work includes sub-genres such as Childrens Classics.
How many books has J.M. Barrie written?
J.M. Barrie has written 43 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 4 books in the Peter Pan Series, 2 books in the Sentimental Tommy Series, 3 books in the Thrums Series, 5 Standalone Novels, 7 Short Stories/Novellas, 1 book in the Children's Books, 17 books in the Plays, 4 Non-Fiction Books.