Daphne was born in 1907, grand-daughter of the brilliant artist and writer George du Maurier, daughter of Gerald, the most famous Actor Manager of his day, she came from a creative and successful family.

She began writing short stories in 1928, and in 1931 her first novel, 'The Loving Spirit' was published. It received rave reviews and further books followed. Then came her most famous three novels, 'Jamaica Inn', 'Frenchman's Creek' and Rebecca'. Each novel being inspired by her love of Cornwall, where she lived and wrote.

These pages were first set up in 1996 for all fans of Daphne du Maurier around the world - now attracting around 50,000 visits every month. If you wish to be kept informed of the latest news and events associated with her work, you are invited to sign up as a Member - its free and you will have privileged access to this site.

If you have any comments or enquiries, members may use the Guest Book to post messages

Your Favourite Lines Team - "I think Daphne sometimes became fascinated by the sound of words and rhythm of phrases occasionally to the detriment of their meaning. This always seems to me one of the charms of her writing, because it contributed to the music of her prose. I have no documentation whatsoever to support this remark but I feel in my bones that it is true. Some passages from The King's General, where Daphne describes the countryside nearby Menabilly, seem to me particularly mellifluous."

So wrote Sheila Hodges, Daphne's editor and friend for over 40 years. This triggered in Festivalgoer Collin Langley the idea of creating a record of favourite du maurier lines. Immediately, webmaster John Baxendale set-up a new page on the du Maurier website: www.dumaurier.org/favourites

Daphne's son Kits Browning and Ann Willmore of Bookends of Fowey readily added their support and in December 2008 the YFL team started contacting Festival friends and in Kits' case, members of the du Maurier family, to elicit their favourite lines.The du Maurier online Members Forum (formerly Guestbook) heralded the new favourite lines page.

Quotes emerged from a wide range of Daphne's books, the reasons for their choice equally interesting. Daphne's lines evoke memories of childhood, reflect her love of natural beauty, Paris, the French countryside and Fowey. Also featured are her sense of humour, literary symbolism, imagery, magical plotting, and the light, shade and economy of her prose. Daphne is remembered as mother, grandmother, friend and much loved author.

Entry guidelines are included on the website and over 100 favourite lines have been received so far. Choices may be posted via the website or mailed to the YFL team at yourfavouritelines@hotmail.co.uk If you read this please consider adding your own favourite lines and be part of this unique and enduring record of Daphne's work.

DATES FOR THE 2010 FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED - we have now heard that the Daphne du Maurier Festival for 2010 has been given the go-ahead; the dates being Thursday 13th May until Saturday 22nd May 2010. More news as we get it - David Willmore

Review of 'The House on the Strand' - Laura Varnam, a du Maurier enthusiast, with much experience in writing, has just sent us an excellent review of Daphne du Maurier's novel The House on the Strand. It is one of the books which has not been reviewed on our site before. Navigate to it under 'Book reviews' on the left, or just click HERE

Films & Videos - in case you have missed it, we have been accumulating a number of films and videos on this site, which will be of interest. The content is freely available via YouTube and include the entire 1940 film "Rebecca", directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine.

Click HERE

Two films have now been remastered on DVD. They are:

- a rare opportunity to see Dame Daphne in her home in Cornwall. She talks to Cliff Michelmore on a wide range of subjects about her writing and work.
Running time 38½ minutes.

- written by Daphne du Maurier, narrated by Sir Michael Redgrave and directed by Christian Browning.
Running time 40 minutes.

They are both available at the Daphne du Maurier Literary centre in Fowey at £12.00 each.
Telephone +44 (0)1726 833616 / 833619