Enchanted Cornwall

Completed shortly before her death in 1989, this is Daphne du Maurier's personal memoir, the story of how in Cornwall she found herself as a writer and as a person. Illustrated with 78 colour and black-and-white photographs, including many from the author’s personal collection, this is the story of a magical relationship between an extraordinary woman and the spirit of a place. It will have special significance for millions who have enjoyed her books and want to know more about this very private author. Here is the story of what led her to write Rebecca, which this year won the W H Smith Nation’s Favourite Book Competition ahead of novels by Dickens, Austen, Orwell and the Brontës. Here is what moved Daphne to write My Cousin Rachel, made into one of 2017’s must-see movies, and what in her personal life led to Jamaica Inn, Frenchman’s Creek, The House on the Strand, The Birds and many other of her best-known stories. Here is a book for all to enjoy: her readers, those who have enjoyed her films, and lovers of beauty and enchantment everywhere.