Daphne Du Maurier

A first edition, first impression of Rebecca with an original letter from the author.

• Sold as a set of 1 book and 1 one-page letter.
• Daphne Du Maurier (English).
• London: Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1938.
• Quarto.
• Presented in the dustjacket, alongside a letter from Du Maurier quoting the famous first lines.

A first edition, first impression of Daphne du Maurier’s classic Rebecca, published by Victor Gollancz Ltd in 1938, alongside an original, handwritten and signed Daphne Du Maurier letter in which she quotes the famous first line and paragraph of Rebecca.

A masterwork of English gothic and suspense, Rebecca has captivated readers for generations and remains one of the most enduring and beloved novels of the 20th century. With that, it is no surprise it is one of the most sought after 20th century novels by collectors.

Rebecca has inspired numerous adaptations, including the acclaimed 1940 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Autograph letter signed ("Daphne du Maurier") to a recipient named Martin, reading:

"Your grandmother has asked me to write the opening passage of one of my books and send it to you. As 'Rebecca' seems to be the most popular of my novels, I have chosen the first lines from chapter one. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and a chain upon the gate. I called in my dream to the lodge-keeper, and had no answer, and peering closer through the rusted spokes of the gate I saw that the lodge was uninhabited". I hope you enjoy the story if you read it."

Place and Date: Kilmarth, Cornwall, 5 April 1976.