The George du Maurier Library

George du Maurier

Step softly into The George du Maurier Library, where the dreams, sorrows, studio-lamps, Parisian attics, impossible loves, and curious enchantments of George du Maurier are read in full. Here are tales in which memory opens secret doors, art becomes a perilous magic, and the waking world is never quite so solid as respectable persons suppose.

  1. Episode 1

    Trilby Part First part 1

    In which the reader is introduced to a sunlit Parisian studio, alive with charming details and inhabited by three earnest young artists—Taffy, the robust ex-soldier; the jovial Scotchman known as the Laird of Cockpen; and the delicate, gifted Little Billee, each seeking inspiration and camaraderie amid the city's stirring environs. Their quiet indulgence in art, music, and friendship is delightfully interrupted by the arrival of Svengali and his companion, whose mysterious presence and captivating musicianship hint at the unfolding of tales to come.

  2. Episode 2

    Trilby Part First part 2

    In which a strikingly unconventional young model named Trilby O'Ferrall unexpectedly joins a gathering of English artists in a Parisian studio, her presence marked by a charming blend of rustic frankness and natural grace that captivates the company. As music flows and impressions are exchanged, her unique character and singularly perfect feet provoke admiration and reflection on the rare and subtle beauty bestowed by nature.

  3. Episode 3

    Trilby Part First part 3

    In which a quaint assembly of lively artists, including the singular Svengali and the tender-hearted Little Billee, delight in the charm of rustic music, fencing, and congenial camaraderie amidst the Parisian backdrop, while cherishing moments of youthful enthusiasm and innocent discourse in their humble atelier. The narrative unfolds with tender observation of Trilby’s entrance and the interplay of art, friendship, and simple joys that colour their days and evenings in the spirited Latin Quarter.

  4. Episode 4

    Trilby Part First part 4

    In which Trilby, ever the amiable and unconventional spirit, navigates the bohemian world of Paris with a charming mixture of French slang and English candour, surrounded by artists and friends of varied repute. Little Billee reflects upon her complexities and his own youthful ideals, pondering the contrast between outward beauty and inner virtue amidst the lively yet humble gatherings of their unusual companionship.

  5. Episode 5

    Trilby Part Second part 1

    In which we are introduced to the singular character of Svengali, a gifted yet unpleasing musician whose passion for his art is matched only by his troublesome temper and unsavoury habits, as he struggles through poverty and tenuous friendships in Paris. We witness his complex relationship with a young singer, as his harsh methods and relentless pride intertwine with the delicate strains of ambition and despair that fill the garret where he dwells.

  6. Episode 6

    Trilby Part Second part 2

    In which the whimsical Svengali, with his curious mixture of grotesque charm and sinister influence, cures Trilby's mysterious pain and leaves an indelible impression upon her, while the lively camaraderie and rough humour of Carrel's art studio introduce us to a lively brotherhood of aspiring artists, among whom the shy but talented Little Billee makes an earnest if awkward debut. The scene is set with characteristic Parisian vivacity, blending the theatrical with the everyday, and capturing the delicate interplay between intrigue, friendship, and artistic endeavour.

  7. Episode 7

    Trilby Part Second part 3

    In which Little Billee first becomes an admired figure in Carrel's bustling studio, winning the affection of his fellow artists and the lively model Trilby, whose spirited presence and devoted friendship enliven their bohemian circle in the Latin Quarter. Her dual nature—English gentility and Parisian vivacity—along with her unpretentious charm and usefulness, endeared her to the artistic community, illuminating their shared world of earnest ambition and congenial camaraderie.

  8. Episode 8

    Trilby Part Second part 4

    In which the gentle camaraderie of Trilby and her English friends is delightfully portrayed through their innocent amusements and care for one another, especially during the Laird’s sudden illness. Meanwhile, the uneasy presence of Svengali, with his peculiar and unsettling attentions towards Trilby, introduces a shadowy contrast to the otherwise warm and convivial circle in the Parisian studio.

See All Season 2 (13)

About

Step softly into The George du Maurier Library, where the dreams, sorrows, studio-lamps, Parisian attics, impossible loves, and curious enchantments of George du Maurier are read in full. Here are tales in which memory opens secret doors, art becomes a perilous magic, and the waking world is never quite so solid as respectable persons suppose.

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