Mary Poppins is the first in a celebrated series of eight children's books by P.L. Travers, published over the span of several decades, from 1934 to 1988. It introduces the title character, a most unorthodox nanny who brings a touch of magic and wonder to the Banks household, captivating not only the children under her care—Jane, Michael, and toddler twins John and Barbara (joined by baby Annabel in the second book)—but also readers of all ages.
The plot of the first book sets the tone for the series, where Mary Poppins, arriving at Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane on a gust of the East wind, changes the lives of the Banks family. The children quickly discover that their new nanny is no ordinary caregiver—she possesses magical abilities, from sliding up banisters to pulling delightfully outlandish objects out of her carpetbag. The story follows Mary, Jane, and Michael through whimsical escapades, including a tea party on the ceiling and a visit to a zoo where the animals are in charge. It culminates with Mary Poppins departing as suddenly and mysteriously as she arrived, riding away on the West wind and leaving the door open for her future returns.
Over the decade since its 1934 debut, the Mary Poppins series has inspired numerous adaptations, including the iconic 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, a 2004 stage musical, and a 2018 film sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt. These adaptations have contributed to the enduring legacy of Mary Poppins as a beloved figure in both children's literature and popular culture.
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About the author
Pamela Lyndon Travers, OBE, known by her pen name P. L. Travers, was a British writer who gained lasting fame for her Mary Poppins series of children's books. Born in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia, in 1899, she embarked on a writing and acting career before moving to England at the age of 24, where she would spend the majority of her life. In 1934, Travers wrote Mary Poppins, the novel that introduced the world to a magical nanny who continues to captivate fans of all ages.
Travers's early life in Queensland and her experiences upon moving to England significantly influenced her writing. She started by publishing poems and acting in Shakespearean plays in Australia. Her journey led her to England, where she adopted her pen name and became devoted to writing full-time. The success of Mary Poppins brought her international acclaim, leading to several sequels. Her interactions with Walt Disney, who adapted Mary Poppins into a highly successful film in 1964, were famously contentious. Travers disapproved of the film's treatment of her characters and story, a disagreement that persisted even as the film became a classic of American cinema.
Apart from her literary success, Travers's life was marked by her keen interest in mythology and her encounters with notable figures in the literary and spiritual circles of her time. Despite her achievements, she maintained a private personal life, adopting a boy in her late 30s and living with him in London. Her services to literature were recognized in 1977 when she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Travers passed away in London in 1996 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire readers and audiences around the world.
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