It’s curious how some authors and titles stand the test of time, while others lose favour and quickly fade into book history. Occasionally, those that fade may resurrect on the strength of a connection to a movie or some other inter-textual event, then sink again.
But what makes classic literature? Classic is defined as “judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind”. And there is no recipe for what elevates a story to that status.
Collectors of Daphne du Maurier believe that there is a special something about her writing that means it remains fresh and relevant today. At one stage in the 1950’s she was considered the highest paid woman writer in the UK.
I had a reading period in my twenties that included du Maurier and many other dark romance, gothic writers such as Elizabeth Gaskell, Catherine Gaskin, Victoria Holt/Jean Plaidy, and Sergeanne Golon. It introduced me to a depth in characterisation and the mystery of relationships. I think back on that era with much nostalgia and pleasure – titles such as Mistress of Mellyn, File on Devlin, Angelique, Rebecca and many others.
Currently in the store, we have four collectible and affordable du Maurier editions (and some Gaskin and Golon!):
