Introduction


Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier’s romantic, glamorous novels were often perceived in her day as throwbacks to a simpler time, but they are regarded now as examples of fine, nuanced storytelling. In fact, her books remain a staple in libraries around the world. Du Maurier has been referred to as aloof and cold, probably due in part to the fact that she rarely granted interviews and disliked society events despite her literary status. After her death in 1989, much was made of her possible lesbian affairs, most notably one with actress Gertrude Lawrence. Over a 50-year career, du Maurier wrote many popular novels including her most famous work, Rebecca. She also wrote short stories, plays, and (later in her life) biographies about her own ancestry.

Essential Facts

  1. Du Maurier was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1969, but she told no one about the honor. She left the ceremony quietly so that members of the press were not alerted.
  2. Both Rebecca and du Maurier’s short story “The Birds” were adapted into popular films by Alfred Hitchcock.
  3. Du Maurier’s grandfather created the character Svengali in the book Trilby. He was also an author and cartoonist.
  4. Du Maurier is said to have been very aloof toward her two daughters and much more loving toward her son. She once wrote about how much she identified with men and was in touch with her male side.
  5. Du Maurier’s ashes are scattered near her beloved home in Cornwall.