Thirteen essays explore the timeless appeal of Peter's antics, and the impact of this extraordinary book on children worldwide. Contributors, each a respected scholar in the field of children's literature, examine details of Potter's life, her history as an artist, her accomplishments as a naturalist, and the contextual factors affecting her writing and illustrations. Others investigate the timelessness of this story, exploring its psychological and sociological truths and comparing Peter Rabbit to present day literature.