Daphne du Maurier

Easton Press Daphne du Maurier books

The Birds and Other Stories - Horror Classics - 2006

Franklin Library Daphne du Maurier books

Kiss Me Again Stranger - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1981
Rebecca - Library of Mystery Masterpieces - 1987

 

Author Daphne du Maurier

Daphne du Maurier, a renowned English author, was born on May 13, 1907, in London, England, into a family with a rich literary heritage. Her father, Sir Gerald du Maurier, was a well-known actor and theater manager, while her grandfather, George du Maurier, was a celebrated author and cartoonist. Growing up surrounded by the arts and literature, Daphne developed a keen interest in storytelling from an early age. In her youth, du Maurier attended various schools in England and later in Paris, where she honed her writing skills. She published her first novel, The Loving Spirit, in 1931, which showcased her ability to craft atmospheric and emotionally charged narratives. However, it was her third novel, Jamaica Inn (1936), a tale of smugglers and intrigue set in Cornwall, that brought her widespread recognition.

Daphne du Maurier's breakthrough came with the publication of Rebecca in 1938. This gothic novel, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and identity, captured the public's imagination and became an instant classic. Rebecca won the prestigious U.S. National Book Award for Favorite Novel of 1938 and has since been adapted into various films and stage productions, most notably Alfred Hitchcock's acclaimed 1940 film adaptation. Du Maurier continued to produce a series of highly successful novels, including Frenchman's Creek (1941), Hungry Hill (1943), and The King's General (1946). Her works often blended elements of romance, suspense, and historical fiction, with many set against the backdrop of her beloved Cornwall.

One of her most iconic works, My Cousin Rachel (1951), further showcased du Maurier's talent for psychological suspense. The novel explores the ambiguous character of Rachel, a widow with a mysterious past, and delves into themes of obsession and betrayal. Du Maurier's short story The Birds (1952) served as the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same name, demonstrating the adaptability and enduring appeal of her work across different mediums.

Throughout her career, Daphne du Maurier received critical acclaim for her ability to create evocative settings and complex characters. She often drew inspiration from her own experiences and surroundings, with Cornwall playing a central role in many of her novels. Daphne du Maurier passed away on April 19, 1989, leaving behind a legacy of captivating storytelling and a body of work that continues to resonate with readers and audiences worldwide. Her contributions to literature have secured her place as one of the 20th century's most beloved and influential authors.

 

Kiss Me Again, Stranger - A Collection of Eight Stories, Long and Short

Includes Kiss Me Again, Stranger, The Birds, The Little Photographer, Monte Verita, The Apple Tree The Old Man, The Split Second and No Motive.

The characters in this spellbinding bestseller of stunning suspense are some of the most fascinating in modern fiction. They include the beguiling Madame la Marquise, who as an old woman decided to take her first lover; Anna, the beautiful young bride who discovers an Eden high atop a mountain; and an unforgettable young man who discovers his first love in a movie theater a girl doomed to kill. Each acts out for us in his secret passions in moments of powerful, suspenseful drama that haunt the reader!

Rebecca

Ancient, beautiful Manderley, between the rose garden and the sea, is the county's showpiece. Rebecca made it so even a year after her death, Rebecca's influence still rules there. How can Maxim de Winter's shy new bride ever fill her place or escape her vital shadow?