The Admirable Crichton by James Matthew Barrie is a satirical play that explores the class divisions of British society through the story of a British peer, his family, and their butler, Crichton. When they are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island, Crichton becomes the natural leader due to his practical knowledge and resourcefulness. As the...More
Sir James Matthew Barrie (9 May 1860 – 19 June 1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright known for creating Peter Pan, a story about a boy who never grows up and has magical adventures in Neverland with a girl named Wendy. Barrie lived in Scotland before moving to London where he met the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to write about a baby boy's magical adventures in Kensington Gardens, then to write Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, a 1904 West End "fairy play" about an ageless boy and an ordinary girl named Wendy who have adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland. Peter Pan became his most popular work, overshadowing his other successful novels and plays. Barrie gave the rights to the Peter Pan works to Great...More
Sir James Matthew Barrie (9 May 1860 – 19 June 1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright known for creating Peter Pan, a story about a boy who never grows up and has magical adventures in Neverland with a girl named Wendy. Barrie lived in Scotland before moving to London where he met the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to write about a baby boy's magical adventures in Kensington Gardens, then to write Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, a 1904 West End "fairy play" about an ageless boy and an ordinary girl named Wendy who have adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland. Peter Pan became his most popular work, overshadowing his other successful novels and plays. Barrie gave the rights to the Peter Pan works to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children before his death, which still benefits from them today.
Book Summary
The Admirable Crichton by James Matthew Barrie is a satirical play that explores the class divisions of British society through the story of a British peer, his family, and their butler, Crichton. When they are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island, Crichton becomes the natural leader due to his practical knowledge and resourcefulness. As the group struggles to survive, Crichton's influence grows, causing tension between him and his social betters. The play raises controversial issues about class and societal roles, and Barrie had originally considered a more daring resolution but ultimately decided to cater to the audience's expectations.