When I was younger I read most of Daphne's novels - Jamaica Inn, Frenchman's Creek, and of course watched the film Rebecca over and over - it still remains one of my favourite films. She wrote a particularly fine book about Vanishing Cornwall too.
Daphne du Maurier was born in London, the second of three daughters of the prominent actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier and actress Muriel Beaumont (maternal niece of William Comyns Beaumont).[1] Her grandfather was the author and Punch cartoonist George du Maurier, who created the character of Svengali in the novel Trilby.
These connections helped her in establishing her literary career, and du Maurier published some of her very early work in Beaumont's Bystander magazine. Her first novel, The Loving Spirit, was published in 1931.
Du Maurier was also the cousin of the Llewelyn Davies boys, who served as J.M. Barrie's inspiration for the characters in the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. As a young child, she met many of the brightest stars of the theatre, thanks to the celebrity of her father. On meeting Tallulah Bankhead, she was quoted as saying that the actress was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen.
Du Maurier has often been painted as a frostily private recluse who rarely mixed in society or gave interviews.[18] An exception to this came after the release of the film A Bridge Too Far, in which her late husband was portrayed in a less-than-flattering light. Du Maurier, incensed, wrote to the national newspapers, decrying what she considered unforgivable treatment.[19] Once out of the glare of the public spotlight, however, many remembered her as a warm and immensely funny person who was a welcoming hostess to guests at Menabilly,[5] the house she leased for many years (from the Rashleigh family) in Cornwall. Letters from Menabilly contains the letters from du Maurier to Oriel Malet over 30 years, with Malet's commentary. (Malet's real name is Auriel Malet Vaughan.)
Her final novels reveal just how far her writing style had developed. The House on the Strand (1969) combines elements of "mental time-travel", a tragic love affair in 14th century Cornwall, and the dangers of using mind-altering drugs. Her final novel, Rule Britannia, written post-Vietnam, plays with the resentment of English people in general and Cornish people in particular at the increasing dominance of the U.S.
Du Maurier died aged 81 at her home in Cornwall, which had been the setting for many of her books. Her body was cremated and her ashes scattered at Kilmarth
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These connections helped her in establishing her literary career, and du Maurier published some of her very early work in Beaumont's Bystander magazine. Her first novel, The Loving Spirit, was published in 1931.
Du Maurier was also the cousin of the Llewelyn Davies boys, who served as J.M. Barrie's inspiration for the characters in the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. As a young child, she met many of the brightest stars of the theatre, thanks to the celebrity of her father. On meeting Tallulah Bankhead, she was quoted as saying that the actress was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen.
Du Maurier has often been painted as a frostily private recluse who rarely mixed in society or gave interviews.[18] An exception to this came after the release of the film A Bridge Too Far, in which her late husband was portrayed in a less-than-flattering light. Du Maurier, incensed, wrote to the national newspapers, decrying what she considered unforgivable treatment.[19] Once out of the glare of the public spotlight, however, many remembered her as a warm and immensely funny person who was a welcoming hostess to guests at Menabilly,[5] the house she leased for many years (from the Rashleigh family) in Cornwall. Letters from Menabilly contains the letters from du Maurier to Oriel Malet over 30 years, with Malet's commentary. (Malet's real name is Auriel Malet Vaughan.)
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Du Maurier died aged 81 at her home in Cornwall, which had been the setting for many of her books. Her body was cremated and her ashes scattered at Kilmarth
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menabilly
But luxury has never appealed to me,
I like simple things,
books, being alone, or with somebody who understands.
1907 - 1989
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I used to love reading her books too Elaine. Like you I watched the films especially Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. Thank you for this biography of her life it was a lovely read.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Did you read the follow up novel that Susan Hill wrote - she carried the story of Rebecca on and I think she captured the mood of the original really well
DeleteI loved Frenchman's Creek and Jamaica Inn, I've never read any other of her books but have seen a TV adaptation of Rebecca. I also remember reading a biography of Gerald du Maurier and also his book Trilby. I didn't know about the connection with J M Barrie and Peter Pan - I've found this post fascinating to read:)
ReplyDeleteIt was through reading her books that I began my love affair with Cornwall though sadly I haven't been for many years
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, and lots of interesting links. My mum had all her books so I've read them all.
ReplyDeleteI had family in Cornwall who I used to visit but, like you, I've not been for years either. Flighty xx
Your Mum sounds like my kind of woman - a gardener and a reader, perfect combination.
DeleteI think my favourite novel has always been The Kings General. Have you read it? Jx
ReplyDeleteI have just Googled it to refresh my memory Jan and, no, I don't think I have read it - but will keep a look out for a copy when I am trawling the bookshops. Apparently the inspiration for the novel came from a discovery by Wm. Rashleigh of a skeleton when he was involved in the renovations of the Menabilly house. The skeleton was thought to be a cavalier because of its clothing. Fascinating stuff eh!
DeleteI was directed to this post by Flighty. I've just posted on my Through The Keyhole blog about reading Rebecca. Although I've seen the film of Rebecca a few times, I've never read any Daphne du Maurier novels. I'm really enjoying reading Rebecca and I think I shall read more of her works afterwards. A really interesting post. We're visiting Cornwall in July and August and I'd like to visit Jamaica Inn and the Daphne du Maurier Smuggler's Museum, but not sure yet whether we'll get there or not.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying reading Rebecca Jo - I haven't read it for many years but have read the sequel by Susan Hill which kept very closely to the spirit of du Maurier's novel.
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