Peter John Stephens facts for kids
Peter John Stephens (born July 31, 1912, in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire – died June 11, 2002) was a talented writer. He is best known for his exciting historical fiction books written for teenagers. He also wrote three books for younger children. Besides books, Peter John Stephens was a poet, wrote songs for operas and musicals, and created plays. One of his plays, A Power of Dreams, was even shown in New York City. He passed away in London.
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Peter John Stephens' Writings
Peter John Stephens wrote many different kinds of stories and plays. Here are some of his most famous works:
Plays for the Stage
- Hugh of the Glen and his clogs are all one (part of a collection called The Best One-Act Plays, 1951-1952)
- A Power of Dreams (This play was performed in New York City)
Books for Children
- The Story of Fire Fighting, 1966
- Lillapig, 1972
- Faster Than Anything, 1974
Historical Fiction Books for Teens
- The Outlaw King, 1964
- Perrely Plight, 1965
- Towappu, 1966
- Battle for Destiny, 1967
- Claim to the Wilderness, 1967
- The Crime of Jairus Posey, 1969
- The Thief-Takers, 1970
- The Shadow over Welesmere Gap, 1971
- The Rogue, 1973
- A Shot from a Sling, 1975
Opera Stories (Librettos)
Peter John Stephens also wrote the stories for operas, which are called librettos. The music for these was composed by Jan Meyerowitz.
- Simoon, 1949
- Godfather Death, 1961
His Family Life
Peter John Stephens came from an interesting family. His great-great-grandfather, Matthew Stephens, was a successful smuggler in Wales a long time ago.
Peter John Stephens was the brother of Richard Waring, who was an actor in the United States. His father was Thomas E. Stephens, a painter whose portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower is displayed in the Smithsonian Gallery of Presidents. His mother was Evelyn Mary Waring. Even though he lived in New York City for a while, Peter John kept his British citizenship. He wrote articles for the British Information Service there.
Peter John Stephens had two children, Dylan Stephens and Gillian Stephens, who are both musicians. Later, he moved to England and married Eliane Falconi, who was an opera singer. They had one child together, Dilys Stephens, who is an artist.
