Peter Pan: The Novel

Peter and Wendy [Peter Pan]

Barrie, J. M.

Publication: New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1911. First US edition.

Notes: The novel based on the beloved characters in J. M. Barrie's play, Peter Pan, which instantly installed Never-Never Land, Captain Cook, and Tinkerbell into the English-speaking consciousness. The novel builds on the play and extends the narrative. It ends with one of the truest lines about children ever written, "...and so it will go on, so long as children are gay and innocent and heartless."

Booksellers offering this American edition are fond of saying it was published simultaneously with the London edition. I don't know the source of that statement—no one seems to cite one—and the historical record suggests it isn't true. The demand for the British edition was so great that the first two printings sold out with pre-orders. The publisher delayed the release date to October 18, 1911, so that there would be enough books (source: London Times, October 11, 1911, p. 12). The American publisher advertised Peter and Wendy as "ready to-morrow" in several newspapers on Friday, October 20, putting the American release date three days behind the British (see New York Sun, October 20, 1911, p. 7).

With 13 black-and-white illustrations by F. D. Bedford, including the title-page.

Edition + Condition: First US edition (with "Published October, 1911" and the Scribner's seal on the copyright page). A very good copy in green cloth stamped in gilt. There is light shelfwear along the bottom edge, some spotting to the cloth, tanning to the spine; and a 1-1/2 inch circular discoloration on the back cover (most apparent in raking light). Internally clean, with minor foxing to the pages here and there. Previous owner's name and "Xmas 1911" on the front free endpaper.

Item No: #75038

Sold