Dame Daphne du Maurier, Lady Browning
- Born:
- May 13, 1907, London, England
- Died:
- April 19, 1989, Par, Cornwall, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Playwright, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Daphne du Maurier was born into a theatrical family; her father was actor Sir Gerald du Maurier, and her grandfather was author and cartoonist George du Maurier.
- She was educated at home and later attended finishing school in Paris.
- Early on, she showed an interest in writing and published short stories.
Career and Major Achievements
- Du Maurier began her writing career with the publication of her first novel, The Loving Spirit, in 1931.
- She achieved widespread recognition with her novel Jamaica Inn (1936) and cemented her reputation with Rebecca (1938), which won the U.S. National Book Award.
- Several of her works have been adapted into successful films, including Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, Frenchman's Creek, My Cousin Rachel, and Don't Look Now.
- She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1969.
Notable Works
Novels
- The Loving Spirit (1931)
- I'll Never Be Young Again (1932)
- Jamaica Inn (1936)
- Rebecca (1938)
- Frenchman's Creek (1941)
- My Cousin Rachel (1951)
- The Scapegoat (1957)
- The House on the Strand (1969)
- Rule Britannia (1972)
Short Story Collections
- The Apple Tree (1952) (also known as Kiss Me Again, Stranger)
- The Breaking Point (1959)
Plays
- Rebecca (1940)
- September Tide (1948)
Film Adaptations (Selected)
| Title | Year | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca | 1940 | Novel Rebecca |
| Jamaica Inn | 1939 | Novel Jamaica Inn |
| Frenchman's Creek | 1944 | Novel Frenchman's Creek |
| My Cousin Rachel | 1952 | Novel My Cousin Rachel |
| The Birds | 1963 | Short Story "The Birds" |
| Don't Look Now | 1973 | Short Story "Don't Look Now" |
Legacy and Impact
The impact of the works of Daphne du Maurier on literature and popular culture is significant. Her ability to craft suspenseful narratives with complex characters, often set against atmospheric backdrops, has resonated with readers for decades. The enduring popularity of her novels and their numerous film adaptations continues to secure her place as one of the most successful and influential authors of the 20th century. This concise biography of daphne du maurier demonstrates how her works continue to be read and admired worldwide.