The Little Minister

The Little Minister, “Little Minister, The”: poster for stage adaptation popular sentimental novel by J.M. Barrie, published in 1891 and dramatized in 1897. The Little Minister is set in Thrums, a Scottish weaving village based on Barrie’s birthplace, and concerns Gavin Dishart, a young impoverished minister with his first congregation. The weavers he serves soon riot in protest against reductions in their wages and harsh working conditions. Warned by Babbie, a beautiful and mysterious Gypsy, that Lord Rintoul, the local laird, has summoned the militia, the weavers prepare for a fight. During the ensuing melee, Dishart rescues Babbie from the soldiers. Dishart and Babbie fall in love, he never suspecting that she is really a well-born lady who is unwillingly betrothed to the old Lord Rintoul. After many trials, the two live happily ever after. Includes vintage illustration!