The Peter Pan Chronicles: The Nearly 100 Year History of 'The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up'

This is an entertaining and fully researched account of Peter Pan's long theatrical and cinematic history, which began with James M. Barrie's play Peter Pan , first produced on the London stage in 1904. The character of the adventurous boy had been introduced by Barrie in his novel The Little White Bird (1902), from which he adapted the play. Hanson, a high school art teacher in New York City, gives us chapters on productions which include biographies of the performers who played the roles of Peter, Captain Hook and Wendy, lyrics from the musical versions and many anecdotes. Outstanding portrayals of Peter were achieved by actresses Maude Adams (1905), Eve Le Gallienne (1928) and Mary Martin (1954). This excellent contribution to theatrical studies is marred only by excessive expression of the author's opinions. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Aug.)