Peter and Wendy – J.M. Barrie – 1911 | True First Printing Peter Pan

The story of Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie is one of most famous and beloved children’s stories of all time, presented here as the first printing of the first American edition. Following the Darling children are spirited away on magical adventures to Neverland in the company of the enigmatic Peter Pan, the novel contrasts the idealistic innocence of childhood with the inevitable social responsibility of growing up. While children enjoy the fights with pirates and encounters with fairies and mermaids, adult readers can appreciate Barrie’s observations of human nature, such as the child’s propensity for capriciousness but also the joys of maturity. Retitled as Peter Pan and Wendy in later editions, this novelization of Barrie’s original stage play has inspired some of the most enjoyed films, music, and theatre productions of the 20^th century.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Peter and Wendy
• Author: J.M. Barrie
• Illustrator: F. D. Bedford
• Publisher: London, Hodder & Stoughton
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing, [1911]
  • Undated title page and verso
  • 13 illustrations (reduced to 12 for later editions)
• Binding: Decorative green cloth, gilt cover and spine design
• Format: Octavo (8vo), single volume
• Size: ~ 8.25in x 5.75in (21cm x 15cm)
• Collation: vii, [1], 267, [1] pp
• Illustrations: 13 full-page illustrations, including frontispiece and illustrated title page
• Contents Include:
  • Complete novel text
  • Full suite of illustrations

Condition:

Very Good. Green cloth shows some fading and rubbing to the boards, especially at the corners. The gilt titling on the spine and front board is still legible. The text block and hinges are secure and intact. Internally clean, with some occasional spotting and minor toning, without loss of text.

Why Collect This?

• True First Printing with undated Hodder & Stoughton title page
• Full suite of 13 illustrations
• Original decorative cloth binding
• Classic of the modern children’s fantasy genre

Item Number: #31289