Trilby

Trilby (1894) is a novel by George du Maurier. Originally serialized in Harper's Monthly the novel went on to become an international bestseller, attracting controversy and interest for its depiction of bohemian life in 19th century Paris. Although Trilby has been criticized by such readers as George Orwell for its anti-Semitic depiction of Svengali, the novel has been adapted countless times for theater and film, including a 1931 motion picture starring John Barrymore and a 1983 television movie starring Jodie Foster and Peter O'Toole. Three English art students enjoy a bohemian lifestyle in Paris. Drawn into the coterie of musicians Svengali and Gecko, they observe with humor the efforts of Trilby, a young Irishwoman, to become a professional singer. Despite her beauty and captivating stage presence, she proves completely tone-deaf, all-but ensuring a life of drudgery as a laundress and artist's model. Following the tragic loss of her younger brother, Trilby turns to Svengali for guidance. Using hypnosis, the musician turns Trilby into a gifted singer, sending her into a trance every time she steps on stage. Some years later, one of the Englishman recognizes Trilby at a concert and begins to grow concerned at her gaunt appearance. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of George du Maurier's Trilby is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

George Louis Palmella Busson du Maurier (1834 - 1896) was a Franco-British cartoonist and author, known for his cartoons in Punch and for his novel Trilby. He was the father of actor Sir Gerald du Maurier and grandfather of writers Angela du Maurier and Dame Daphne du Maurier. He was also the father of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and grandfather of the five boys who inspired J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. Du Maurier studied art in Paris and moved to Antwerp, Belgium, where he lost vision in his left eye. He consulted an oculist in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he met his future wife, Emma Wightwick. He followed her family to London, where he married Emma in 1863. The couple settled in Hampstead around 1877, first in Church Row and later at New Grove House. They had five children: Beatrix (known as Trixy), Guy, Sylvia, Marie Louise (known as May) and Gerald. Owing to his deteriorating eyesight, du Maurier reduced his involvement with Punch in 1891 and settled in Hampstead, where he wrote three novels. His first, Peter Ibbetson, was a modest success at the time and later adapted to stage and screen, most notably in a film and as an opera.