Courage [Paperback]

J. M. Barrie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

Upon his election as Lord Rector of St. Andrew's University, Sir J.M. Barrie delivered an inaugural address in which he sought to inspire the youth sitting before him. His stirring words on the subject of "courage" are just as invigorating today, more than eight decades after they appeared in book form in 1923. Barrie advised young people never to ascribe to an opponent motives meaner than your own; to know what you mean; to insist on helping; to learn how world-shaking situations arise and how they can be countered; and to doubt those who deny you the right of partnership. Charming, candid, and stimulation, Barrie's address is a rousing example of how he championed the spirit of young people. Of his daring comments, he said, "I sound to myself as if I were advocating a rebellion, though I am really asking for a larger friendship." Scottish writer SIR JAMES MATTHEW BARRIE (1860-1937) was the author of, most famously, Peter Pan, as well as numerous plays, stories, and novels, including The Little Minister, The Little White Bird, and What Every Woman Knows.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

COSIMO CLASSICS offers distinctive titles by the great authors and thinkers who have inspired, informed and engaged readers throughout the ages.

From the Author

Scottish writer SIR JAMES MATTHEW BARRIE (1860-1937) was the author of, most famously, Peter Pan, as well as numerous plays, stories, and novels, including The Little Minister, The Little White Bird, and What Every Woman Knows.

Product Details

• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596050438
• ISBN-13: 978-1596050433
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #508,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SOMETHING FOR THE J. M. BARRIE FAN, June 30, 2008

By 

Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Courage (Paperback)

The title, Courage, is the theme of the talk that Mr. Barrie, creator of the Peter Pan character and stories, gave to the graduating class at St. Andrews. The words were first given in 1922 but would be largely appropriate for almost any graduate at any time, even today. Part of the address deals with war because of WWI involving the Scottish people.

Another interesting segment was read from a letter written by Admiral Byrd from a tent he knew he and his explorer party would die in, already having frozen feet, no fuel, and no food.

Barrie's own words can describe the written speech. "They are the roses in December; you remember someone said that God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." Barrie's talk of growing up, moving on into the world, and achieving through the use of courage is good, like "roses in December."

Just don't expect Tinkerbell, or Wendy, Peter, Neverland, pirates or any of the characters we associate with J. M. Barrie's name. He did include a line for a student..."the lad what will never be old." And he says near the end, "This is my first and last public appearance, and I never could or would have made it except to a gathering of Scottish students. I have not been as dull as I could have wished to be; but looking at your glowing faces cheerfulness and hope would keep breaking through."