Books by Sir J. M. Barrie

J.M. BarrieComedyCharacters: 6 male, 9 femaleInterior Set Quality Street is a cup of exquisite comic delight. Set in England, about 1800, it is alive with elegant humor and wit. There are several maiden women in the action, some of them a bit sour and curiously officious. But the one named Phoebe, with the plain face, is a sparkling lass whose heart flutters for a bachelor by the name of Valentine, who is expected on a visit. Sadly we learn, Valentine, has come back not to propose to Miss Phoebe but to announce his enlistment in the Napoleonic wars. And Phoebe and her sister have met economic misfortune by teaching at a primary school. Rejuvenated by his return, Phoebe in a carefree moment discards her prim clothes and expression, and becomes a gay young girl, extravagant with her smiles, as well as with her dances at the military balls. The transformation is so complete that Phoebe is mistaken for a fictitious niece. The deception increases the merriment and produces many sudden changes of the plot. Valentine discovers his love for Phoebe, and then fortunately discovers the precarious plot in time to save it from the mischievous women. Surely this is one of the most endearing and enduring of all comedies.

An odd assortment of guests are warned against going into the woods for it is Midsummer Eve (there is no woods in the neighborhood, but legend says that it sometimes appears). A philanderer, his young wife and the current object of his affections; an artist who has lost faith in himself and his wife who despises him; indolent lady and a delightful old couple venture into the forest that appears outside the windows and find dreams and desires answered.|6 women, 4 men

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens reveals the magical life of the boy who wouldn't grow up when he is yet to meet Wendy Darling. J. M. Barrie's treasured character embarks on his earliest adventures in this charming children's novel. Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, is one of the most beloved characters in children's literature. Long before his escapades with pirates, mermaids, and Lost Boys, he first appeared in our storybooks as a small baby. Escaping from his family home, Peter lives with the birds and fairies in the magical depths of London's Kensington Gardens. An ever curious and daring child, he explores the fascinating world around him, learning how to fly with his fairy friends. This wondrous tale captures the innocence and imagination of childhood. First published in 1906, most of the text in Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens was originally published in J. M. Barrie's novel The Little White Bird (1902). Over a century later, this magical read is still loved by people of all ages.

It is the Earl of Loam's whim to invite his servants once a month to the drawing room where they are treated as social equals. His daughter and friends are forced to serve them much to the distaste of Crichton, the butler, who knows his place. He accompanies the Earl on a yachting party with the three daughters, an affected young man and a sporting parson, as well as the lady's maid who is in love with Crichton. They are wrecked on a desert island and Crichton, at first imperceptibly, takes command and wins their devotion by his resourcefulness. The women vie for his favor. He chooses Lady Mary no longer indolent, but intensely vital for his wife.-12 women, 13 men