Reproduction of the original: Sentimental Tommy: The Story of His Boyhood by J.M. Barrie

The celebrated Tommy first comes into view on a dirty London stair, and he was in sexless garments, which were all he had, and he was five, and so though we are looking at him, we must do it sideways, lest he sit down hurriedly to hide them. That inscrutable face, which made the clubmen of his later days uneasy and even puzzled the ladies while he was making love to them, was already his, except when he smiled at one of his pretty thoughts or stopped at an open door to sniff a potful. On his way up and down the stair he often paused to sniff, but he never asked for anything; his mother had warned him against it, and he carried out her injunction with almost unnecessary spirit, declining offers before they were made, as when passing a room, whence came the smell of fried fish, he might call in, "I don't not want none of your fish," or "My mother says I don't not want the littlest bit," or wistfully, "I ain't hungry," or more wistfully still, "My mother says I ain't hungry." His mother heard of this and was angry, crying that he had let the neighbors know something she was anxious to conceal, but what he had revealed to them Tommy could not make out, and when he questioned her artlessly, she took him with sudden passion to her flat breast, and often after that she looked at him long and woefully and wrung her hands.

A story that traces the boyhood of a "man about town"--Beginning at age five, in England, his trials and tribulations, on to becoming a young man

This is the annotated edition including a rare and very detailed essay about the life and works of the author. To turn from George Elliot's Tom Tulliver to Sentimental Tommy is to encounter the maladies of the soul. It is to leave the firm and solid ground of ordinary boyhood for the quicksands of a character that is almost feminine in its subtlety, hard to understand, and harder still to love. Tommy, in his shifting moods, his substitution of feeling for principle, his delight in his own exceeding cleverness, is at times more girl than boy. Even his kindness of heart, his gentleness, his constitutional disregard of truth, his supreme emotionalism, his desire to be masterful, not by riding roughly and gayly through life, but by holding and handling and hurting the hearts of those who love him—all these interesting attributes savor a little of femininity. Only his peculiar innocence, untarnished, almost untouched by his broad and premature knowledge of evil, proclaims him still the boy. It would seem at first sight that London ought to be a better field than Thrums for so versatile a genius, yet it finds its really harmonious setting in the Scotch hamlet. Even the most wonderful of little scamps is lost in the vast scampishness of the world's greatest city; but in Thrums Tommy's remarkable gifts win instant recognition. His one grand London exploit at the supper for juvenile criminals is not half so telling as his simpler device of outwitting the schoolmaster by cutting off Francie Crabbe's curls. Nor could he, in the London slums, have lived so thrillingly that double life—by day a schoolboy, insignificant, unknown; by night, under the friendly moon, a royal exile, whoso handful of brave followers have sworn to restore to him the throne of his ancient and ill-fated race ...

To turn from George Elliot's Tom Tulliver to Sentimental Tommy is to encounter the maladies of the soul. It is to leave the firm and solid ground of ordinary boyhood for the quicksands of a character that is almost feminine in its subtlety, hard to understand, and harder still to love. Tommy, in his shifting moods, his substitution of feeling for principle, his delight in his own exceeding cleverness, is at times more girl than boy. Even his kindness of heart, his gentleness, his constitutional disregard of truth, his supreme emotionalism, his desire to be masterful, not by riding roughly and gayly through life, but by holding and handling and hurting the hearts of those who love him—all these interesting attributes savor a little of femininity. Only his peculiar innocence, untarnished, almost untouched by his broad and premature knowledge of evil, proclaims him still the boy. It would seem at first sight that London ought to be a better field than Thrums for so versatile a genius, yet it finds its really harmonious setting in the Scotch hamlet. Even the most wonderful of little scamps is lost in the vast scampishness of the world's greatest city; but in Thrums Tommy's remarkable gifts win instant recognition. His one grand London exploit at the supper for juvenile criminals is not half so telling as his simpler device of outwitting the schoolmaster by cutting off Francie Crabbe's curls. Nor could he, in the London slums, have lived so thrillingly that double life—by day a schoolboy, insignificant, unknown; by night, under the friendly moon, a royal exile, whoso handful of brave followers have sworn to restore to him the throne of his ancient and ill-fated race ...

Bestseller Works of J. M. Barrie Part 2: This collection of books by J. M. Barrie showcases some of his best-selling works that have charmed readers over the years. The anthology includes "Sentimental Tommy", "Auld Licht Idylls", and "The Little Minister". Through these captivating works, readers can experience Barrie's skillful storytelling, memorable characters, and exploration of themes such as childhood, love, and the complexities of human emotions. Key Aspects of the Book "Sentimental Tommy": Coming-of-Age Story: "Sentimental Tommy" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of its protagonist, Tommy Sandys, as he navigates the challenges of growing up. Character Development: Barrie's narrative delves into the development of Tommy's character and his evolution from a mischievous boy to a young man seeking meaning in life. Exploration of Childhood: The book provides a poignant exploration of the complexities and innocence of childhood. Key Aspects of the Book "Auld Licht Idylls": Scottish Village Life: "Auld Licht Idylls" presents a charming portrayal of life in a Scottish village, depicting its traditions and characters with warmth and humor. Short Stories: The book is a collection of short stories, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of the villagers. Themes of Community and Tradition: Barrie's narratives celebrate the sense of community and the endurance of tradition in the village setting. Key Aspects of the Book "The Little Minister": Romantic Drama: "The Little Minister" is a romantic drama that unfolds in the Scottish countryside, revolving around the love story between Gavin Dishart, a young minister, and Babbie, a mysterious and spirited young woman. Conflict and Tensions: Barrie's narrative weaves themes of love, social expectations, and societal tensions into an emotionally charged plot. Character of Babbie: The character of Babbie, with her independent spirit, adds intrigue and complexity to the story. J. M. Barrie was a Scottish author and playwright, known for creating the beloved character of Peter Pan. His literary works, including these bestsellers, continue to be celebrated for their charm, wit, and insights into the human experience.

Sentimental Tommy – A young Tommy is living in the slums of London, with his mother and soon he gets a baby sister Elspeth. After the death of their mother, Tommy and his sister move to Scotland with a man scorned by their mother many years ago. Tommy's imagination and ability to create fantasy worlds for them to live in help them survive. Tommy and Grizel – Tommy decides to move back to London where he starts working for O. P. Pym, a hack author of thrilling stories, attempting to make it as a writer himself. After he does, Tommy goes back to Scotland and reunits with Grizel, his childhood sweetheart. Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered today as the creator of Peter Pan. He was born and educated in Scotland but moved to London, where he met the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to write about a baby boy who has magical adventures in Kensington Gardens, then to write Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, a "fairy play" about an ageless boy and an ordinary girl named Wendy who have adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland.