A Lively Oracle: A Centennial Celebration of P.L. Travers, Magical Creator of Mary Poppins

by Ellen Dooling Draper

Everyone knows Mary Poppins--at least her Disneyfied version--but how many know her creator was a brilliant, mysterious woman with many other fascinating accomplishments?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0943914949
• ISBN13: 9780943914947
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Larson Publications
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Much more than Mary Poppins!!

Everyone knows Disney's Mary Poppins, but what of Mary's creator, P. L. Travers? This collection of twenty essays (three by Travers herself) not only reconnects the author with her most famous work, but illuminates the vibrant thoughts, expressive writing, and lifetime of exploration into myths, fairy tales, and folklore that were the true passions of this gifted writer. The Introduction gives the reader glimpses into the breadth and scope of Travers' life and outlines the vast terrain to be covered. In these pages we meet a private woman who asked in her will that no biographies be written about her. Instead, the editors have gathered an impressive array of authors, editors, and friends who knew Travers professionally and personally to shed some light on her life. Part One comprises two essays, which are an invaluable resource in understanding Travers' origins and influences. Part Two contains two essays on Mary Poppins. Koralek's piece looks at the six books in the series and their relationship to the Disney film. Sibley's contribution elaborates on the Disney adaptation and Travers' role in the journey. Sibley is in a unique position to discuss this intriguing tale of artistic wills--he worked with Travers on a script for a never-produced sequel to the film. What is of interest here is just how different the film is from the intent of the author. Travers, who served as a consultant on the film (in title, at least), resisted relinquishing the rights for a full decade after meeting Walt Disney, and Sibley details "many tempestuous meetings" between Travers and the production staff. Part Three considers Friend Monkey, About the Sleeping Beauty, and The Fox at the Manger. The authors do a wonderful job of providing analysis not so much for its own academic sake but rather intrinsically linked to the influences and themes buzzing around Travers. The fourth part expands on Travers' fascination with the world of myth. The first essay looks at Travers' contributions to Parabola. Over 15 years she contributed over 40 articles and stories. The third essay is a culinary metaphor called "A Writer Worth Her Salt" by the aptly named Rob Baker that illuminates Travers' editorial relationship and input with Parabola staff. The essays by Trebbe Johnson and Feenie Ziner that conclude the "Themes" section are equally entertaining and enlightening. Part Five is a bridge between others writing about P.L. Travers and the final section, which presents some of her works. The three contributors to this section share their excerpts of conversations and interviews with Travers with an unmitigated joy and respect that truly brings home the tremendous impact that she had on so many people. Jonathan Cotts' reminiscences about her garden I found particularly touching. For the writer and reader who goes daily swimming in the depths of myth, fair-tale, and folklore, this collection--and the broad range of works by its intriguing subject--will be a resource gone back to ag

A superb collection of articles, essays & biography.

Most will be familiar with the author P.L. Travers as the creator of the Mary Poppins series: this biographical sketch expands upon the Travers details, covering her enthusiasm for poetry, her world travels, her acting abilities and encounters with sages and famous personalities. Articles by a variety of contributors provide many different aspects of Pamela Travers' personality and achievements.