Details

Title

Trilby

Subtitle

a novel

Author

du Maurier, George

Place of Publication

New York

Publisher

Harper and Brothers Publishers

Date of Publication

1894 Show more1894-01-01T00:00:00.000Z
1894-01-01T00:00:00.000Z Show less

Collection

L.M. Montgomery Institute.

Donor

Donated by Emily Woster.

Note

George DuMaurier (1834-1896) first became famous as a cartoonist for ‘Punch’ magazine, where he satirized Victorian society and politics. When his eyesight began to deteriorate he turned to writing stories and novels. His most popular text by far was, ‘Trilby,’ first published as a serial in ‘Harper’s Monthly’ in 1894 and later collected into a single volume. The book was a massive best-seller, guiding readers’ conceptions of its setting, Bohemian Paris, for years after its publication. The story follows three British artists making their way in Paris; they meet titular model Trilby O’Ferrall, who falls under the influence of the hypnotist, Svengali (depicted through a stereotypical, antisemitic lens). Note the symbolic spider's web on the cover that alludes to Trilby's dilemma. The book inspired a phase of “Trilbymania” in readers, which in turn spawned consumer products with Trilby themes, like clothing (see: Trilby hats), and adaptations for stage and screen. Also of note, George DuMaurier was the grandfather of other literary icons. Five of his grandsons, children of his daughter Sylvia, inspired J.M. Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan,’ and another granddaughter was none other than Daphne DuMaurier, famed writer of the novel ‘Rebecca’ and short stories like ‘The Birds.’ You can peruse all pages of 'Trilby' here or read just the text here. Montgomery read this novel multiple times in her youth, noting in her journal that the three artists in the story were friends to her. On 20 Dec. 1904 she wrote, “I have been re-reading ‘Trilby’ this evening–it matches the night somehow–that dear delightful book where three of my very dearest friends live–’Taffy’ and ‘The Laird,’ and ‘Little Billee.’ It has made me quite happy for the time being.” She went on to comment on the lines that end the story, “And the verses that end it were, with one exception, written for me……The exception is in the second verse. It should be cut out for me. There is no love in my life–nor ever will be, I suppose.” (CJ II, 115, Dec. 20, 1904) The novel ends with “A little work, a little play / To keep us going—and so, good-day! / A little warmth, a little light / Of love's bestowing—and so, good-night! / A little fun, to match the sorrow / Of each day's growing—and so, good-morrow! / A little trust that when we die / We reap our sowing! And so—good-bye!” At the time Montgomery wrote this journal entry, she was just 20 years old. She had spent all but a few months of the preceding six years at home with her grandmother.

Genre

novel