Travers, P. L. (1899-1996), an Australian-born author, became known for her children’s stories about Mary Poppins, an English nanny (nursemaid) who has magical powers. Mary Poppins is a highly eccentric character who is able to fly with the aid of her large umbrella. Travers began writing stories about Mary Poppins in 1926. The first Mary Poppins book was Mary Poppins (1934). She continued the series with Mary Poppins Comes Back (1935), Mary Poppins Opens the Door (1943), Mary Poppins in the Park (1952), Mary Poppins from A to Z (1962), Mary Poppins in the Kitchen (1975), Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane (1982), and Mary Poppins and the House Next Door (1988).
Travers began publishing articles and poems as a teenager. Along with the Mary Poppins series, Travers wrote several other children’s books, including Friend Monkey (1971). She also wrote a number of travel books and gift books, some based on her Australian childhood.
Pamela Lyndon Travers was born on Aug. 9, 1899, in Maryborough, Queensland. Her original name was Helen Lyndon Goff. The eldest of three children, she grew up with a succession of nannies. In 1921, she became an actress and adopted the name Pamela Travers. In 1924, she traveled to Ireland before settling in England that year. Travers never married, but she adopted a son. She died on April 23, 1996.
