In Our Time – Hypnosis, with references to Trilby by George du Maurier
Each Thursday at 9am on BBC Radio 4, Melvin Bragg leads a programme called In Our Time, in which he discusses a fascinating range of subjects with a panel of guests.
Last week's programme, broadcast on Thursday 29th May 2025, was called Hypnosis.
As the name suggests, this was an exploration of hypnosis, from Anton Mesmer to present-day medical treatment. Included in the discussion was the topic of hypnotism in literature, with references to authors including Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker, and George du Maurier, among others.
George du Maurier
George du Maurier's novel about hypnotism was, of course, Trilby, published in 1894. Trilby takes place in the 1850s in an idyllic bohemian Paris. The story features three young artists, the novel's heroine, Trilby, a half-Irish girl living in Paris and working as an artist's model and laundress, and Svengali, a rogue, musician and hypnotist. The relationship between Svengali and Trilby is crucial to the plot, as under hypnosis, he can transform her into a phenomenally talented and successful opera singer.
Trilby was a monumental success and became the first best-selling novel, in the way that we consider books to be bestsellers today. It was a runaway success in the UK and the US and was soon adapted into a play, then later into a film.
The impact of Trilby expanded beyond the book, with the word "Svengali" entering the English language, referring to a person who exercises a controlling or mesmeric influence on another, often for a sinister purpose. The hat that Trilby wore in the stage version became known as a Trilby hat, and it remains a popular type of hat to this day.
Trilby in a UK single volume first edition
Trilby's bare feet are considered to be very beautiful in the story, and as Trilby-Mania grew, all sorts of merchandise began to appear, much as it does with successful books and films now. Trilby's foot ice creams were hugely popular, as were teaspoons and pastry forks, with Trilby's foot decorating the handles.
During the Victorian era, many British physicians experimented with hypnosis as a therapeutic practice. Although its use was highly controversial, it was something at the forefront of people's minds and something that many people thought they could practise themselves. George du Maurier's book, being published at the height of the fascination with hypnotism, was perfectly timed.
You can catch up with this programme on BBC Sounds.
Ann Willmore, June 2025.