Peter and Wendy

5C, J. M. Barrie, illustrated by F. D. Bedford. 1911. First edition 

Notes

Peter and Wendy (1911) by J. M. Barrie is the novelized version of his beloved play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. The story follows Peter Pan, the boy who can fly and never ages, as he takes Wendy Darling and her brothers to the magical world of Neverland, where they encounter Lost Boys, mermaids, fairies, and the villainous Captain Hook. The novel explores themes of childhood innocence, adventure, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, blending fantasy with emotional depth. Barrie’s narrative captures the wonder and imagination of youth while subtly addressing the inevitability of change and loss, making it a timeless classic for both children and adults.

Peter and Wendy has influenced countless adaptations in stage, film, and literature, cementing Peter Pan as an iconic figure of literary fantasy. Barrie’s portrayal of Neverland—a place where imagination reigns and the ordinary rules of life are suspended—has inspired generations to reflect on the magic of childhood and the longing to escape the responsibilities of adulthood. The novel remains celebrated for its lyrical storytelling, memorable characters, and enduring exploration of the tension between the joy of youth and the realities of growing up.

F. D. Bedford, or Francis Donkin Bedford (1864–1954), was a British illustrator and painter known for his elegant, detailed line work and his contributions to children's literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His illustrations for the 1911 first edition of Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie played a key role in shaping the visual imagination of Neverland and its characters for early readers. Bedford’s black-and-white drawings, including a whimsical frontispiece and numerous full-page and in-text illustrations, capture both the charm and underlying melancholy of Barrie’s tale. His art balances playful fantasy with a subtle emotional depth, reflecting the novel’s themes of innocence, adventure, and the bittersweet passage of time. Though less widely remembered today than some contemporaries, Bedford’s work remains an integral part of Peter Pan’s early publication history and visual legacy.

Description

Olive green fabric binding with gold tooling front and spine, clear dust jacket, black and white illustrations throughout. Fine condition.