Summary:
"Princess Mary's Gift Book" by Countess of Harewood Princess Royal Mary is a collection of stories and illustrations created in the early 20th century. This work features contributions from various noted authors and artists, all united under the noble goal of raising profits for charitable causes, specifically the Queen's "Work for Women" Fund. The collection includes both fiction and poetry, covering a range of delightful narratives that seek to entertain and inspire. The opening of the book includes a heartfelt message from Princess Mary, thanking the contributors for their generosity. It introduces the first story, "A Holiday in Bed," by J.M. Barrie, where the narrator reflects on the concept of enjoying a holiday spent in bed, humorously critiquing the expectations surrounding traditional vacations. The story sets a lighthearted tone, exploring the subjective nature of leisure, and invites readers to appreciate the simple, yet profound joys that can come from moments of rest and comfort. The beginning serves as a delightful preamble to a collection that promises both entertainment and thoughtful reflections. (This is an automatically generated summary.)