Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1st Baronet, OM, was a renowned Scottish novelist and playwright, most famously known as the creator of the beloved character Peter Pan. Born in the small town of Kirriemuir, Scotland, Barrie's early life was steeped in education, as he attended Glasgow Academy and later the University of Edinburgh. His literary journey began in journalism, with his works in Nottingham before relocating to London in 1885.

In London, Barrie's literary career flourished. His earlier works like Auld Licht Idylls (1889) and A Window in Thrums (1889), provided insightful fictional sketches of Scottish life. The Little Minister (1891) further cemented his reputation as a novelist. Over time, Barrie's focus shifted towards theatre, a medium through which he would eventually introduce the world to Peter Pan.

Barrie's inspiration for Peter Pan arose from his close relationship with the Llewelyn Davies boys, whom he met in London. The character's magical adventures began in Kensington Gardens, first appearing in Barrie's adult novel The Little White Bird (1902), and later evolving into the iconic play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (1904). This work not only won the hearts of audiences but also solidified the name Wendy in the English lexicon.

Despite the success of other works, Peter Pan remained Barrie's masterpiece. In recognition of his contributions to literature and theatre, Barrie was honored with a baronetcy by King George V in 1913 and later inducted into the Order of Merit in 1922. In an act of extraordinary philanthropy, Barrie bequeathed the rights to the Peter Pan works to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, thus ensuring an enduring legacy that continues to support the institution.