Those two are the most interesting and yet they are not developed enough, held at a distance from the reader so we never get to know them.

Despite her name being the novel’s title, Trilby O’Ferrall (life model turned singer) is absent from the story quite a lot, as is her mentor, the villainous pianist Svengali. There is a sinister, supernatural element which is very much subdued until the end, in favour of waffle about the narrator’s bohemian friends (probably thinly-disguised friends of the author), English people being so superior to any other people, and a focus on the least interesting characters. I feel that other contemporary writers, such as Bram Stoker or Oscar Wilde, would have more successfully matched the narrative with the plot. I should state now that I did not like this book at all.

Having finished the book and been mystified by the hat reference (no one in the book wears anything like a trilby hat), I discovered that it was from the stage adaptation. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.I knew two things about this bestseller which was first published in 1894: it was written by the grandfather of Daphne du Maurier and it was the origin of the trilby hat. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. George Du Maurier was a celebrated caricaturist for Punch magazine and his drawings for the novel form part of its appeal - this edition includes his most significant illustrations. The setting of the story reflects the author's bohemian years as an art student in Paris indeed James McNeill Whistler was to recognize himself in one of the early serialized instalments. Immensely popular for a number of years, the novel led to a hit play, a series of popular films, and the trilby hat. Used Trilby Description'You shall see nothing, hear nothing, think of nothing but Svengali, Svengali, Svengali!' First published in 1894, the story of the diva Trilby O'Ferrall and her mesmeric mentor, Svengali, has entered the mythology of the time alongside Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. View all Business, Office & Industrial Suppliesīaby & Toddler Bathing Equipment & AccessoriesĬollectable Religious & Ceremonial Supplies

Trilby by Dennis Denisoff