The humor, whimsy and high adventure of James M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan have delighted generations of children and adults and continue to inspire new entertainments based on the original drama. Among the first of these highly successful adaptations was the version (authorized by Barrie himself) created by Daniel O’Connor shortly after the play’s enthusiastically acclaimed first London production in December of 1904. Enhanced by over 40 illustrations that perfectly capture the fanciful turns of mood and plot, The Story of Peter Pan is a delightful retelling of the story that has been a bedtime favorite of children for nearly a century. It is reprinted here, complete with musical selections (vocal and piano) from the original stage production, to once again delight young fans of Peter, Wendy and all the denizens of the Darling household and the Never-Never-Never Land.

One of the most popular and widely adapted of modem children’s stories, Peter Pan was the creation of Scottish playwright and novelist James M. Barrie (186o-1937). Since its original appearance as a stage play in 19o4, the Peter Pan story has enjoyed tremendous success as a musical production, in animated and live-action motion picture versions, as a novel and in adaptations for young readers.  The Story of Peter Pan was adapted by Daniel O’Connor from Barrie’s play shortly after its initial engagements. In addition to an exciting rendering of the story,this version contains extracts from the original musical score by John Crook. Faithful to Barrie’s original conception and full of the flavor of turn-of-the-century London, The Story of PeterPan remains one of the most enjoyable renderings of the Pan legend.

PART I:

Early Days

PART II:

The Never-Never-Never Land

PART III:

The Mermaids’ Lagoon

PART IV:

The Underground Home

PART V:

The Pirate Ship

PART VI:

Home, Sweet Home