Daphne Du Maurier at Home

by Hilary Macaskill

Daphne du Maurier (1907-89) is the author of Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, Frenchman's Creek, Don't Look Now and The Birds among many others which continue to thrill and fascinate readers worldwide. The daughter of Sir Gerald du Maurier, the leading actor manager of his day, she grew up in a wildly imaginative 'Peter Pan' world peopled by London's leading writers and actors, before arriving in Cornwall at the age of 19. The place and its people inspired her to write her first novel The Loving Spirit , a work which so affected a young major in the Grenadier Guards, later Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Browning, that he travelled to Fowey in his boat Ygdrasil to meet - and eventually to marry - the author. This bewitching evocation of place was to remain a feature of Daphne du Maurier's writing, and the source of much of her enduring popularity.
Hilary Macaskill explores the homes and landscapes of Daphne du Maurier's life, and how these relate to her work in sometimes unexpected ways. Generously illustrated with little-seen material from the family archive as well as new colour photographs, this is a book which will enrich and transport anyone who has ever lost themselves between the covers of a Daphne du Maurier novel.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2013

Reviews

[Christine Mathieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful coffee table books on Daphne DuMaurier, definitely a must for every DDM fan.
The book contains many photos of Menabilly which inspired Manderley in "Rebecca".
Highly recommended!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful coffee table book. Not quite as comprehensive as other biographies however this is more than compensated for by the wonderful photographs and writing style. A visit to a much thought of area without leaving your chair. Very refreshing.

[Denita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book full of gorgeous photos from Daphne Du Mauriers life. The book gives us details of her love of houses that she lived in that was so much more than shelter to her. They gave her inspiration for her writing. Also a look into her family and people that meant to much to her.

[Austen to Zafón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely coffee table book filled with photos, some from family archives, that give readers an idea of how much Du Maurier's homes inspired her stories. Makes me long to visit Cornwall.

[Tracee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly just looked at the pictures. Interesting.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to know one of my most favorite authors is always a delight.