Customer Reviews

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (Dover Children's Classics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sir James Barrie first wrote of Peter Pan in "The Little White Bird," published in 1902. This was followed by the play, "Peter Pan," in 1904, which Barrie then adapted into book form as "Peter and Wendy" (sort of the home video edition of play before the days of home video). In 1906, the six Peter Pan chapters of "Little White Bird" were published under the title "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" with illustrations by Arthur Rackham.

If you're more interested in Barrie's modus operandi, his development of the Peter Pan mythos from his relationship with Llewelyn Davies family and their boys, "The Little White Bird" is an essential source. "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" is Peter Pan with much of the autobiographical sentimentality scissored out. While this eliminates some maudlin overtones, it also removes interesting details such as Pilkington, the prototype of Captain Hook, whose "shadow was all over the gardens."

The only edition I have for comparison's sake is the Weathervane facsimile, published in 1975. Dover's edition is big improvement as far as readability is concerned. All the color plates have page references, and are inserted in close proximity to the related text. Overall reproduction of the plates is a trifle smaller and a bit darker than the Weathervane edition, but usually richer in color values and with a bit more clarity. One plate, "Butter is got from the roots of old trees," has come off a little too dark and obscured, but overall, Dover has done a fine job.

For the reader who wants to read more about Peter Pan from the hand of his creator, or who wants to give a child an introduction to the character sans all the commercial and sometimes revisionist ballast that's been added since Barrie's day, this edition is highly recommended.

I actually pruchased this as a gift for my sister. I would LOVE to find a replica of the statue, but this was the next best thing.