James Matthew Barrie’s creation of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up, became one of the most enduring figures in modern mythology. Originally appearing in The Little White Bird and later in the famous 1904 play, Peter Pan explored themes of childhood innocence, memory, and the inevitable passage of time. Barrie was a leading figure in London's literary society and a friend to many writers of his day. His work often blended whimsy with a deep, sometimes dark, understanding of human psychology and the complexities of adult life.