Daphne du Maurier ​

Dame Daphne du Maurier, Lady Browning, DBE was an English author and playwright. Although she is classed as a romantic novelist, her stories have been described as "moody and resonant" with overtones of the paranormal. Her best-known works include Rebecca and The Birds, both of which have been adapted for film and television numerous times.

Quick Facts ​

• English author and playwright.
• Her debut novel, The Loving Spirit, garnered her recognition and acclaim.
• Best known for her book Rebecca which was made into an Academy-award winning film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
• Many of her works were adapted into successful films, including Jamaica Inn and The Birds.
• She was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1969.
• Her books sold nearly 90 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Daphne du Maurier was born in London in 1907, to a family of artists and writers. She was educated at home and in Paris, before starting to write short stories and articles for journals. In 1928, she published her first novel, The Loving Spirit. She went on to write successful novels like Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel, which were made into movies. In addition to writing novels, she also wrote plays and non-fiction. She was married to Lieutenant General Sir Frederick Browning and had three children. In her later years, she moved to Cornwall, the setting for many of her books. She died in 1989.

Writing Style and Impact ​

du Maurier's work is characterized by its atmospheric, evocative descriptions, and intricate, suspenseful plots. Her novels often explore themes of identity and romantic desire, and often feature strong, complex female characters. Though some of her books were criticized at the time they were published for their elements of romance and suspense, they have since been recognized for their profound psychological insight and social critique. Her work has been highly influential, inspiring a number of films and TV adaptations.

Notable Works ​

• Jamaica Inn (1936)
• Rebecca (1938)
• Frenchman's Creek (1941)
• My Cousin Rachel (1951)
• The Birds and Other Stories (1952)