Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne du Maurier Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne du Maurier

'Enchanted Cornwall is more than a travelogue of memorable haunts. It tries to give an idea of the way in which Cornwall has communicated with me, and I with Cornwall, for here I found myself both as a writer and as a person.'

This is Daphne du Maurier's personal memoir, the story of how enchanted Cornwall formed her as a writer - how the spirit of Cornwall awakened in her a response so imaginative that it transformed ordinary perception into the inspired perception of a master story-teller.

Enchanted, mysterious, unexplored, this is Cornwall as seen through the eyes of the best-selling author of Rebecca, Frenchman's Creek and Jamaica Inn - tales which have passed into Cornish folk-lore.

In Frenchman's Creek, it is the Helford river and the primaeval enchantment of the creek itself which inspires her; in Jamaica Inn, the hard, diabolic 'beauty' of Bodmin Moor.

In Castle Dor, the landscape speaks to her of ancient Cornish myths and legends - an extraordinary perception, source of that sinister otherworldliness that held spellbound millions who read The Birds and Don't Look Now.

Completed shortly before Dame du Maurier's death in 1989, Enchanted Cornwall is the story of a magical relationship between a person 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 writer.

But it is a book for everyone to enjoy: her readers, those who have enjoyed her films, and travellers to Cornwall - whether making their journey in person orjust in mind.