Among many female novelists of English literature, Daphne du Maurier occupies a significant place. Her artistic family consisted of her father, Sir Gerald du Maurier, who was an actor and her grandfather was George du Maurier, the cartoonist and writer. She was born on 13 May 1907. The heritage of her family worked in her advantage and she contributed her writing to the 'Bystander' magazine. 'The Loving Spirit' which was published in 1931 was her first novel.
Her writings were not considered 'intellectually heavyweight' like the works of other writers like George Eliot in her time by literary critics. But she has got her due in the recent days as a master story writer and for several years her books were most sought after in libraries.
The novel which brought her fame and recognition is 'Rebecca' which has been considered as a masterpiece. The other famous works include The House on the Strand, The King's General and Mary Ann. Most of her works revolved around Cornwall.
Many of her works have been made into films notable among them Jamaica Inn, her short story, 'The Birds' which was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock, Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel. She did not like the label of a writer who writes about romanticism as her novels rarely have a happy ending. She exceeded her imagination in her stories, some of them, beautifully created stories of terror which surprised and shocked her fans and literary critics. Notable among them were 'The Pool', 'The Blue Lenses' and her collection of short stories named 'Not After Midnight.' The 'Grand Master Award' was given to her by the Mystery Writers of America in 1977.
She also wrote non-fiction, especially biographies which were well received by the public. Among these, the biography of her father by name 'Gerald' was most appreciated. 'The Glass Blowers' tells traces of her French ancestry and her other works include the Winding Stairs and Infernal World of Branwell Bronte.
Daphne Maurier wrote her first play in 1940 which was an adaptation of her hugely successful novel, Rebecca which had a long run in theatre. Her second play was titled 'The Years Between' was also a hit when it was first staged in 1945. Her third play 'The September Tide' was staged on 1948.
Known as Daphne du Maurier till 1932, she became Mrs Frederick Browning after 1932. Her husband was Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Browning and she had three children - two daughters, Tessa and Flavia and son Christian. She received the coveted title 'Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire' in 1969.
The Loving Spirit, Happy Christmas, The Scapegoat, Castle Dor, The Flight of Falcon are some of her other works of fiction. Her non-fictional work includes Golden Lads, The Winding Stairs and Enchanted Cornwall. She breathed her last on April 1989 but her stories and novels continue to enthrall the minds of the readers.
