Christopher Daniel Mechling's Blog

Things Worth Believing In - (Excerpted from a Response to a Reader)

Since publishing Peter: The Untold True Story, I have received messages from many readers about my book, and about Peter Pan. I enjoy receiving these, and have been happy to respond as much as I am able.

I recently received a moving message from a reader who shared how books like Peter Pan and Harry Potter had provided an escape for her at difficult times in her childhood. As a girl, she had imagined Neverland and Hogwarts as being real places. She also shared how in growing up, it became harder for her to find that same magic in books. She now finds solace in music. When she saw my book, Peter: The Untold True Story, it sparked her interest to think there had once been a real Boy Who Never Grew Up. Her message was well-written, and while everyone’s personal trials are different, I think her experience in childhood and in growing up is more universal than she may realize. What she wrote inspired me to write a lengthy response, and I would like to share some of that response here today.

* * *

Thank you for writing to me and sharing your personal experiences. It is always moving to receive a message like this from a reader- to know how a book can impact someone's life.

From one, unimaginative point of view, writing is empty, meaningless. "Peter Pan is just make-believe. There's no such thing as magic." And yet, across space and time, the written word allows us to know that things we cannot see or touch do exist, because if we can decipher the text, if we can read what another human being has written, and if that message tallies with things we have seen and felt ourselves, then there is some truth in it, even if it is hidden in fiction. What if Peter Pan was real, and this was your letter from Hogwarts?

You seem to have some writing ability- have you tried your own hand at writing? Not for school or work, but for yourself, and for the ones you love? Ray Bradbury suggested that fantasy and science fiction are not simply an escape; he compared writing fantasy and science fiction to the means by which Perseus confronted Medusa. We look at the monsters in our lives indirectly, through the mirror of our writing, and in this way we take aim and strike.

If you love music, and Peter Pan, and Harry Potter, then don't let the world convince you that it is all just make-believe. Believe. Create. Fill your life with the things you love, and seek the truth in them. Don't give up on your dreams. Dream bigger, and be willing to put in the effort to make your dreams come true.

Life is right here, in the middle of the dust and decay of the world. If you can't find anyone else like yourself, keep doing what you love anyway- flowers don't find each other until they rise out of the dust and bloom. And if you are the only flower to bloom in the midst of a desert- what a sight to behold!

There are some things that are worth believing in, no matter what.

* * *

The reader responded and confirmed, among other things, that indeed she did enjoy writing, and had dreamed of becoming an author, but the task seemed daunting for a number of reasons, including some practical concerns from family members about career stability, as well as the artistic challenges of creating a rich fantasy world, filling it with vibrant, vital characters, and finding the magic words to transport her readers into that world. She asked me if I could share some advice for someone starting out at novel-writing, understanding that there is not one specific method, and everyone has their own techniques.

I resolved immediately to write a further response to the reader, but also reflected that other readers might benefit from this. So I will be addressing my next response not only to her, but to any readers who may hold an abiding interest in writing.

In discussing the art of writing, I can only speak from my own experience. I hope that this will be helpful to you. Check back regularly, as I plan to follow up with several more installments on this theme.    

Peter Pan Was Not Created By James Barrie? New Book Reveals True Story Behind The Characters of Peter Pan, Hook, Wendy and the Lost Boys

Peter: The Untold True Story offers fresh historical perspective on the legend of Peter Pan, pointing to the true life story of Peter the Wild Boy as a likely basis for the origin of James Barrie's work. Once upon a time, a real-life feral child named Peter came to London and became a legend- discover his adventures in this heartwarming tale, perfect for holiday and winter reading.

San Diego, CA


"To reveal who he really was would even at this date set the country in a blaze," James Barrie said, referring to Peter Pan's nemesis, Captain Hook. And regarding Peter Pan himself? In the introduction to his published work, Barrie mysteriously suggested that he could not recall creating Peter, his most famous character. Perhaps that is because Barrie drew inspiration for Peter Pan from an earlier historical figure.

A new book by author Christopher Mechling may finally bring light to the origins of the legend of Peter Pan. Set in 18th century England and Germany, Peter: The Untold True Story tells the life of Peter the Wild Boy, a feral child who befriended the King of England and became one of the era's most popular figures, more than a century before James Barrie wrote his work. A perfect tale for holiday and winter reading, Peter: The Untold True Story will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Another clue left by Barrie regarding the origin of his character Peter Pan relates to the fairies in his story. Barrie wrote that before going to Neverland, Peter resided at Kensington Gardens amongst the fairies. The history of the fairies at Kensington Gardens traces back to an 18th century poem by Thomas Tickell called "Kensington Gardens." This epic poem featured an infant boy who was adopted and raised by fairies. Interestingly, the poem was written in 1722, only a few years before Peter the Wild Boy came to London. As a guest of the Royal Family, Peter occasionally roamed Kensington Gardens' hundreds of acres.

Peter the Wild Boy was a charming, intuitive feral child discovered living alone in the German forest of Hamelin. Peter's innocent spirit won King George's interest and appreciation. The King and his family hoped to educate the Wild Boy, helping him to grow up and become a proper English gentleman.

It is difficult to imagine that Barrie would not have been aware of the historical Peter on some level. The era in which Peter the Wild Boy lived was one that surely would have interested Barrie. It was the end of the Golden Age of Piracy, when pirates clashed with the naval power of the British Empire. It was also a time in which Indians from America were visitors to the Royal Court. It was the Age of Enlightenment, when science and reason were challenging the unknown, the mysterious and the wild. In the midst of this era, Peter the Wild Boy stood in the Royal Court as a prominent, curious anomaly.

The Wild Boy was quite a celebrity in the 18th century. He was the subject of a flood of gossip, articles in newspapers and gazettes, poems, essays, short stories, scientific studies and other works by many notable figures including Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe and Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. So popular was Peter in his day that Swift wrote in exasperation, "...there is scarcely talk of anything else."

Peter is an enchanting tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young. Readers can preview an excerpt and enter to win a free signed hardcover at Goodreads.com. Books are available for sale in hardcover through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website. It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle.

Peter Pan in Kensington Palace: Once Upon a Time, a Real-Life Peter Pan Befriended the Royal Family - New Book Tells Adventures of Peter the Wild Boy

Peter: The Untold True Story, a new historical novel, tells the true-life story of a Wild Boy who would not grow up, whose innocence and charm won the hearts of King George and his family, and ultimately made him a legend over a century before James Barrie wrote his fairy tale, Peter Pan. Goodreads.com is offering a chance to win signed copies in a free giveaway. San Diego, California November 09, 2013 Peter Pan's legend is well-known, but a new historical novel by author Christopher Mechling promises a fresh, new historical perspective on the story. Peter: The Untold True Story is a poignant, captivating portrayal of the life of Peter: The Wild Boy, whose amazing adventures may have provided the basis for the legend of Peter Pan, immortalized in fiction more than century later by James Barrie. James Barrie hinted in his own writing that the legend of Peter began long before the fairy tale was written. From now through November 19th, readers can enter a free giveaway at Goodreads.com to win one of five signed copies of the book.

Mysteriously, in the introduction to his published work, James Barrie suggested that he could not recall writing Peter Pan, his most famous character. Perhaps that is because before Peter became a fictional character, he was a real-life Wild Boy, who lived more than a century before Barrie wrote his fairy tale.

"To reveal who he really was would even at this date set the country in a blaze." These are the words of James Barrie, referring to Peter Pan's nemesis, Captain Hook. Peter: The Untold True Story may finally resolve the mysteries that Barrie teased at. Bringing to life historical figures such as George I, George II, Caroline of Ansbach and the Royal Family, Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Lord Hervey and other, the epic tale spans more than seventy years, exploring the real personalities and events that may have provided inspiration for James Barrie's classic fairy tale.

Peter is an enchanting tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young. Enter to win a free signed copy at Goodreads.com. Books are available for sale in hardcover through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website. It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle.
 

Peter Pan in the Royal Palace! Once Upon A Time, Before Neverland, Peter Pan was a Real-Life Wild Boy Who Befriended King George and the Royal Family

New historical novel, Peter: The Untold True Story tells the amazing, true life adventures of Peter the Wild Boy from 1725 to 1785, more than a hundred years before the fairy tale of Peter Pan was written. Author Christopher Mechling believes he has found the basis for the legend of Peter, Wendy, Hook and the Lost Boys.

"To reveal who he really was would even at this date set the country in a blaze." These are the words of James Barrie, referring to Peter Pan's nemesis, Captain Hook. A new book, Peter: The Untold True Story , promises to shed new light on the origins of the characters in Barrie's classic fairy tale. Connecting the real-life figure of Peter the Wild Boy with the fictional character of Peter Pan, the epic tale spans more than seventy years, exploring the real personalities and events of Peter the Wild Boy's life, over a century before Barrie wrote his legend.

James Barrie hinted in his own writing that the legend of Peter began long before the fairy tale was written. Mysteriously, in the introduction to his published work, James Barrie suggested that he could not recall writing Peter Pan, his most famous character. Perhaps that is because before Peter became a fictional character, he was a real-life Wild Boy, who lived more than a century before Barrie wrote his fairy tale.

Barrie wrote in the story of Peter Pan that before going to Neverland, Peter resided at Kensington Gardens amongst the fairies. The history of the fairies at Kensington Gardens traces back to an 18th century poem by Thomas Tickell called "Kensington Gardens." The epic poem featured an infant boy who was adopted and raised by fairies. Interestingly this poem was written in 1722, only a few years before Peter the Wild Boy came to London. As a guest of the Royal Family, Peter occasionally roamed Kensington Gardens' hundreds of acres. Peter the Wild Boy was a charming, intuitive feral child discovered living alone in the German forest of Hamelin. Peter's innocent spirit won King George's interest and appreciation. The King and his family hoped to educate the Wild Boy, helping him to grow up and become a proper English gentleman.

The era in which Peter the Wild Boy lived was one that surely would have interested Barrie. It was the end of the Golden Age of Piracy, when pirates clashed with the naval power of the British Empire. It was also a time in which Indians from America were visitors to the Royal Court. It was the Age of Enlightenment, when science and reason were conquering the unknown, the mysterious and the wild. In the midst of this era, Peter the Wild Boy stood in the Royal Court as a prominent, curious anomaly.

Breathing life into 18th century events, author Christopher Mechling takes readers on a journey of discovery, from the Enchanted Forest of Hamelin, to the grim House of Corrections at Celle, to the beauty of Herrenhausen Palace, to the banks of the Thames River, to the Royal Palaces in London, and beyond, with a cast including the British Royal Family and many of the brightest minds of the era. Narrated by The Princess Caroline of Great Britain, the novel begins,

“All children grow up, all but one. His name is Peter and by now, all the civilized world has heard of him. He has captured the public imagination and become a legend, a subject for poets, philosophers and psychologists to write about, and for children to dream of. The children’s tales might be lacking in some details, but on the whole they are more accurate than most other accounts, for children will always understand Peter intuitively, as I did when I first met him.

"I shall endeavor to tell you the true story of my friend Peter, because he cannot tell it to you himself. Afterward I hope you will love him and defend him as I have for the remainder of your days. Pass on to others a true account of the wild boy who would not grow up, who danced with kings and won the hearts of princesses. He defied logic and reason, lived and loved with an innocent heart, and found peace in the midst of a turbulent world.”

Peter is a magical, poignant tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young. Available in hardcover from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website (where signed copies are currently offered). It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle.

Peter: The Untold True Story

Before Neverland - Discover the True Story of Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook and the Lost Boys

New book Peter: The Untold True Story reveals real-life Peter Pan's adventures once upon a time in 18th century England, more than 100 years before James Barrie wrote the fairy tale of Peter Pan. 

San Diego, CA October 15, 2013- Peter: The Untold True Story, a new novel by author Christopher Mechling, promises new historical perspective on the fairy tale of Peter Pan, Wendy and Hook. Connecting the real-life figure of Peter the Wild Boy with the fictional character of Peter Pan, the story paints an enchanting picture of 18th century Germany and England. Bringing to life historical figures such as George I, George II, Caroline of Ansbach and the Royal Family, Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Lord Hervey and other, the epic tale spans more than seventy years, exploring the real personalities and events that may have provided inspiration for James Barrie's classic fairy tale.
James Barrie hinted in his own writing that the legend of Peter began long before the fairy tale was written. Mysteriously, in the introduction to his published work, James Barrie suggested that he could not recall writing Peter Pan, his most famous character. Perhaps that is because before Peter became a fictional character, he was a real-life Wild Boy, who lived more than a century before Barrie wrote his fairy tale.
Barrie wrote in the story of Peter Pan that before going to Neverland, Peter resided at Kensington Gardens amongst the fairies. The history of the fairies at Kensington Gardens traces back to an 18th century poem by Thomas Tickell called "Kensington Gardens." The epic poem featured an infant boy who was adopted and raised by fairies. Interestingly this poem was written in 1722, only a few years before Peter the Wild Boy came to London. As a guest of the Royal Family, Peter occasionally roamed Kensington Gardens' hundreds of acres. Peter the Wild Boy was a charming, intuitive feral child discovered living alone in the German forest of Hamelin. Peter's innocent spirit won King George's interest and appreciation. The King and his family hoped to educate the Wild Boy, helping him to grow up and become a proper English gentleman.
It is hard to imagine that Barrie would not have been aware of the historical Peter on some level. The era in which Peter the Wild Boy lived was one that surely would have interested Barrie. It was the end of the Golden Age of Piracy, when pirates clashed with the naval power of the British Empire. It was also a time in which Indians from America were visitors to the Royal Court. It was the Age of Enlightenment, when science and reason were conquering the unknown, the mysterious and the wild. In the midst of this era, Peter the Wild Boy stood in the Royal Court as a prominent, curious anomaly.
The Wild Boy was quite a celebrity in the 18th century. He was the subject of poems, essays, short stories, scientific studies and other works by many notable figures including Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe and Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. So popular was Peter in his day that Swift wrote of the Wild Boy, "...there is scarcely talk of anything else."
When King George I died, the Royal Family did not cease their patronage of the Wild Boy. In fact, while he lived through the reigns of three Kings (all named George) Peter enjoyed the support of the Royal Family until his own passing in 1785. Certainly he was a beloved figure to several generations of the Royal family, and Christopher Mechling's engaging narrative make it easy to appreciate why he was so loved.
About Peter's nemesis, Barrie wrote, "Hook was not his true name. To reveal who he really was would even at this date set the country in a blaze." Christopher Mechling invites readers to read his book and discover the authentic figure whom he believes may have been Barrie's inspiration for the infamous villain.
Peter is a magical, poignant tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young. Available in hardcover from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website (where signed copies are currently offered). It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle.

Peter Pan's Origin Revealed! Discover the Adventures of the Wild Boy Who Inspired the Legend

Once upon a time, Peter Pan was a real-life Wild Boy. Peter: The Untold True Story, a new historical novel, reveals the amazing life of this unique character who lived more than a 100 years before James Barrie wrote his fairy tale.San Diego, California



With this summer’s release of Peter: The Untold True Story, a historical novel, readers now have an unprecedented look into the life of the Peter the Wild Boy, one of 18th century England's most curious figures, whose true adventures mirror the fairy tale of Peter Pan.
The legend of Peter Pan has been retold many times, in books, stageplays, comics, movies and television shows, sometime mores faithfully than others. Most recently, ABC has recast the boy hero as a villain in their show Once Upon a Time. Peter: The Untold True Story is not a reimagining of the fairy tale of Peter Pan, it is a tale drawn from true events, revealing the origin and adventures of a real boy who would not grow up. The epic story of Peter's life, spanning more than seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history.

A feral child, discovered in 1725 at the age of twelve living alone in the forest of Hamelin, Germany, Peter captivated the public imagination, becoming a favorite of the British Royal Family and the subject of writings by contemporary authors such as Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe and others. Living through the reigns of three kings, Peter had a long life full of many adventures, and for all his years, up to 1785 when he passed away, he was known as the Wild Boy.

Throughout his life, even into his seventies, Peter maintained a youthful appearance and energy. Evolutionary theorist Lord Monboddo, who visited Peter in 1782, said of the Wild Boy, "He is of low stature, not exceeding five feet three inches; and though he must be now about 70 years of age, [he] has a fresh, healthy look. His face is not at all ugly or disagreeable, and he has a look that may be called sensible and sagacious, for a savage. [He] had always that gentleness of nature, which I hold to be characteristical of our nature, at least until we become carnivorous, and then hunters or warriors. He is said to have sometimes run seventy or eighty miles a day. His strength always appeared to be so much superior that the strongest young men were afraid to contend with him.”

Peter is a magical, poignant tale full of humor, love, and courage in the face of life's difficulties. It will make you laugh, cry, dream and remember what it means to be young. Available in hardcover from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website (where signed copies are currently offered). It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle.

Once Upon A Time Peter Pan Was A Real-Life Wild Boy- Discover The Historical Child Who Came To London And Became A Legend A Century Before J.M. Barrie Wrote His Tale

Peter: The Untold True Story, a new historical novel by author Christopher Mechling, reveals the amazing, true life adventures of Peter the Wild Boy from 1725 to 1785, more than a hundred years before the fairy tale of Peter Pan and Wendy was written. Captivating the public imagination in his own era, Peter was a favorite of the British Royal Family and a topic of interest to writers such as Jonathan Swift and Daniel Defoe.
San Diego, California

Peter Pan is one of the most beloved characters in fiction, known to children all over the world. But was his legend derived from an earlier, true story? Author Christopher Mechling thinks so, and points to the historical life of Peter the Wild Boy, one of 18th century England’s most curious figures. With this summer’s release of Peter: The Untold True Story, a historical novel, we now have an unprecedented look into the life of the real Wild Boy who lived over a century before James Barrie penned his classic.

The legend of Peter Pan has been retold many times, in books, stageplays, comics, movies and television shows, sometime mores faithfully than others. Most recently, ABC has recast the boy hero as a villain in their show Once Upon a Time.

Peter: The Untold True Story is not a reimagining of the fairy tale of Peter Pan, it is a tale drawn from true events, revealing the origin and adventures of a real boy who would not grow up. Modern readers may be unfamiliar with the life of Peter the Wild Boy, but once upon a time, he was among the most well-known figures in England. Peter the Wild Boy captivated the imaginations of King George I, Caroline of Ansbach, and many of England's best contemporary writers and thinkers, including Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. So popular was Peter when he was first introduced to English society in the spring of 1726 that Jonathan Swift remarked, "...there is scarcely talk of anything else."

Peter the Wild Boy became a legendary figure in his own lifetime, and is still remembered in England today. Author Christopher Mechling believes it was Peter’s life and times that provided much of the basis for James Barrie’s classic fairy tale. Indeed, among the many links between the myth and the real boy, are the fairies themselves. James Barrie himself acknowledged that his fairies were born out of the epic 18th century poem Kensington Gardens by Thomas Tickell. This poem was written only two years prior to the arrival of Peter the Wild Boy at Kensington.

Breathing life into 18th century events, author Christopher Mechling takes readers on a journey of discovery, from the Enchanted Forest of Hamelin, to the grim House of Corrections at Celle, to the beauty of Herrenhausen Palace, to the banks of the Thames River, to the Royal Palaces in London, and beyond, with a cast including the British Royal Family and many of the brightest minds of the era. The epic story of the Wild Boy's life, spanning more than seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history.

Estimated in 1725 to be about twelve years old, Peter had been discovered living alone in the forest of Hamelin, Germany. It seems Peter left his parents when he was very young and learned to survive on his own, perhaps with the help of forest animals. Once word about Peter spread, the Royal Family of England, beginning with King George I, took a personal interest in Peter. Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II and future Queen, was touched by Peter's innocence, and took the boy into her care. It was the hope of the Royal Family, not only to provide for Peter's future, but to help him grow up to be an ideal English gentleman. Peter learned many things, but never grew up- he remained a wild youth, and was ultimately celebrated for this. 

Throughout his life, even into his seventies, Peter maintained a youthful appearance and energy. Evolutionary theorist Lord Monboddo, who visited Peter in 1782, said of the Wild Boy, "He is of low stature, not exceeding five feet three inches; and though he must be now about 70 years of age, [he] has a fresh, healthy look. His face is not at all ugly or disagreeable, and he has a look that may be called sensible and sagacious, for a savage. He is said to have sometimes run seventy or eighty miles a day. His strength always appeared to be so much superior that the strongest young men were afraid to contend with him."

Christopher Mechling's imaginative dramatization captures the poignant experiences of Peter and the people who interacted with him. Peter: The Untold True Story is available in hardcover from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and at the author’s website. It is also available as an e-book through the Apple iBookstore and Amazon Kindle .

Was Peter Pan & Wendy based on a True Story? New Book Reveals Wild Boy Who Came to London and Roamed Kensington Gardens over a Century before James Barrie Wrote his Classic

Peter: The Untold True Story brings surprising new historical perspective to the fairy tale of Peter Pan and Wendy, telling the epic adventures of a real-life Wild Boy who became a legend in 18th century England, written about by Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift and others. Now available for pre-order through Apple's iBookstore.
San Diego, California

Author Christopher Mechling's new historical novel Peter: The Untold True Story tells of a boy named Peter who would not grow up- a boy whose historic life is mirrored in the fairy tale of Peter Pan. With its official release date set for May 4, 2013, readers can be pre-order a print copy of the book from the author's official website or go to iTunes to pre-order a digital copy from Apple's iBookstore.
Peter was a boy of few words, but his character captivated the imaginations of King George I, Caroline of Ansbach, and many of England's best contemporary writers and thinkers, including Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. So popular was Peter when he was first introduced to English society in the spring of 1726 that Jonathan Swift remarked, "...there is scarcely talk of anything else."
Estimated to be about twelve years old, Peter had been discovered living alone in the forest of Hamelin, Germany. It seems he left his parents when he was very young and learned to survive on his own, perhaps with the help of some forest animals. An instant public sensation, Peter was the talk of London for several years.
The Royal Family took a personal interest in Peter. Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II and future Queen of England, was touched by Peter's innocence, and took the boy into her care. It was the hope of the Royal Family, not only to provide for Peter's future, but to help him grow up to be an ideal English gentleman.
To the satirist Jonathan Swift, the attempt to civilize Peter seemed a vain effort. In his essay, It Cannot Rain But It Pours, he wrote, "Let us pray the Creator of all beings, wild and tame, that as this wild youth by being brought to court has been made a Christian, so such as are at court, and are no Christians, may lay aside their savage and rapacious nature, and return to the meekness of the Gospel."
Daniel Defoe took the effort to educate Peter more seriously. In a pamphlet titled Mere Nature Delineated, he wrote, " ... It would indeed be a terrible satire upon the present inspired Age, first to allow this Creature to have a Soul, and to have Power of thinking, qualified to make a right judgment of Things, and then to see that under the Operation and Influence of that regular and well-ordered judgment, he should see it reasonable to choose to... retire again from human Society, rather than dwell among the informed of Mankind."
Peter learned many things, but never grew up- he remained a wild youth, and was ultimately celebrated for this. Even after he retired to a comfortable life in the country, Peter was a legendary figure in England, and attracted visitors to his home for decades.
Throughout his life, even into his seventies, Peter maintained a youthful appearance and energy. Evolutionary theorist Lord Monboddo, who visited Peter in 1782, said of the Wild Boy, "He is of low stature, not exceeding five feet three inches; and though he must be now about 70 years of age, [he] has a fresh, healthy look. His face is not at all ugly or disagreeable, and he has a look that may be called sensible and sagacious, for a savage. [He] had always that gentleness of nature, which I hold to be characteristical of our nature, at least until we become carnivorous, and then hunters or warriors. He is said to have sometimes run seventy or eighty miles a day. His strength always appeared to be so much superior that the strongest young men were afraid to contend with him, and this strength continued almost unimpaired till about a year and a half ago."
Christopher Mechling's imaginative dramatization captures the poignant experiences of Peter and the people who interacted with him. The epic story of the Wild Boy's life, spanning more than seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters.
Peter: The Untold True Story is scheduled to be released May 4, 2013. It will be distributed to bookstores through Ingram, and booksellers can register here to be notified when the book is available for order. Readers may pre-order printed copies of the historical novel online now at http://www.christophermechling.com, or go to iTunes to pre-order a digital copy from Apple's iBookstore.

Is Peter Pan based on true events? Peter- The Untold True Story brings surprising new historical perspective to the classic tale

Upcoming book tells the story of the real-life Wild Boy named Peter whose epic adventures made him a legend more than a hundred years before James Barrie wrote his classic Peter. Now available for pre-order through Apple's iBookstore.
San Diego, California
Author Christopher Mechling's new historical novel, Peter- The Untold True Story, introduces readers to the amazing true story of Peter the Wild Boy, whose legendary character may have inspired James Barrie's fairy tale, Peter Pan. With its official release date set for May 4, 2013, readers can be pre-order a print copy of the book from the author's official website, or go to iTunes to pre-order a digital copy from Apple's iBookstore.In 1725, Peter the Wild Boy was discovered living alone in the forest of Hamelin, a wilderness originally made famous by the tale of the Pied Piper. It seemed Peter had left his parents when he was very young and learned to survive on his own, perhaps with the help of some forest animals. His story captured the public imagination, and soon came to the attention of George I, King of England and Duke of Hanover.When the King met Peter, he was completely won over by the boy, and decided to take the Wild Boy to London, with the intent to introduce him to society and help him grow up to be a proper Englishman. When Peter was introduced to the rest of the Royal Family, they were similarly moved by the Wild Boy's unique mixture of innocence and charm. An instant sensation, Peter was the talk of London for several years. His character captivated the imaginations of many of England's best contemporary writers and thinkers, including Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. Peter learned many things, but never grew up- he remained a wild youth, and was ultimately celebrated for this. Even after he retired to a comfortable life in the country, Peter was a legendary figure in England, and attracted visitors to his home for decades.Throughout his life, even into his seventies, Peter maintained a youthful appearance and energy. Evolutionary theorist Lord Monboddo, who visited Peter in 1782, said of the Wild Boy, "He is of low stature, not exceeding five feet three inches; and though he must be now about 70 years of age, [he] has a fresh, healthy look. His face is not at all ugly or disagreeable, and he has a look that may be called sensible and sagacious, for a savage. [He] had always that gentleness of nature, which I hold to be characteristical of our nature, at least until we become carnivorous, and then hunters or warriors. He is said to have sometimes run seventy or eighty miles a day. His strength always appeared to be so much superior that the strongest young men were afraid to contend with him, and this strength continued almost unimpaired till about a year and a half ago."Christopher Mechling's imaginative dramatization of the life of Peter captures the joy, innocence and fire of a bright, feral child living in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment. The epic story of his life, spanning approximately seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters.
Peter: The Untold True Story is scheduled to be released May 4, 2013. It will be distributed to bookstores through Ingram, and booksellers can register here to be notified when the book is available for order. Readers may pre-order printed copies of the historical novel online now at http://www.christophermechling.com, or go to iTunes to pre-order a digital copy from Apple's iBookstore.

Was Peter Pan based on a real-life Wild Boy? Peter: The Untold True Story reveals historical Peter who lived over 100 years before James Barrie wrote his classic tale

New book by author Christopher Mechling tells the remarkable, true life story of a boy who became a legend in 18th century England, more than a hundred years before the fairy tale of Peter Pan was written.

San Diego, California


Peter: The Untold True Story, a new novel by author Christopher Mechling, tells of a boy named Peter who would not grow up- a boy whose historic life is mirrored in the fairy tale of Peter Pan.In 1725, Peter the Wild Boy was discovered in the forest of Hamelin, having lived alone in the wild since he was very young. Immediately capturing the public imagination, he was taken to meet George I, Duke of Hanover and King of England. Peter's good nature won the appreciation of King George. As a result, he was brought from Germany to London where he was introduced and became a popular figure in society, in the midst of an era when science and reason were conquering the unknown, the mysterious and the wild.Peter's character captivated the imaginations of many of England's best contemporary writers and thinkers, including Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. In the Age of Enlightenment, the feral child was a charming curiosity beloved by those who met him, including the Royal Family. Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II and future Queen of England, was touched by Peter's innocence, and took the boy into her care. It was the hope of the Royal Family, not only to provide for Peter's future, but to help him grow up to be an ideal English gentleman.To the satirist Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, the attempt to civilize Peter seemed a vain effort. In his essay, It Cannot Rain But It Pours, he wrote, "Let us pray the Creator of all beings, wild and tame, that as this wild youth by being brought to court has been made a Christian, so such as are at court, and are no Christians, may lay aside their savage and rapacious nature, and return to the meekness of the Gospel."Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe and other works, took the effort to educate Peter more seriously. In a pamphlet titled Mere Nature Delineated, he wrote, " ... It would indeed be a terrible satire upon the present inspired Age, first to allow this Creature to have a Soul, and to have Power of thinking, qualified to make a right judgment of Things, and then to see that under the Operation and Influence of that regular and well-ordered judgment, he should see it reasonable to choose to... retire again from human Society, rather than dwell among the informed of Mankind."For several years, Peter lived in the royal residences, and was the talk of London. He learned many things, but never grew up- he remained a wild youth, and was ultimately celebrated for this. Even after he retired to a comfortable life in the country, Peter was a legendary figure in England, and attracted visitors to his home for decades.Throughout his life, even into his seventies, Peter maintained a youthful appearance and energy. Evolutionary theorist Lord Monboddo, who visited Peter in 1782, said of the Wild Boy, "He is of low stature, not exceeding five feet three inches; and though he must be now about 70 years of age, [he] has a fresh, healthy look. His face is not at all ugly or disagreeable, and he has a look that may be called sensible and sagacious, for a savage. [He] had always that gentleness of nature, which I hold to be characteristical of our nature, at least until we become carnivorous, and then hunters or warriors. He is said to have sometimes run seventy or eighty miles a day. His strength always appeared to be so much superior that the strongest young men were afraid to contend with him, and this strength continued almost unimpaired till about a year and a half ago."Christopher Mechling's imaginative dramatization of the life of Peter captures the joy, innocence and fire of a bright, feral child living in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment. The epic story of his life, spanning approximately seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters.Peter: The Untold True Story is scheduled to be released May 4, 2013. It will be distributed to bookstores through Ingram, and booksellers can register here to be notified when the book is available for order. Readers may pre-order the historical novel online now at http://www.christophermechling.com.