Books

First edition, first impression. The novel harnesses Du Maurier's "strengths in narrative drive and the evocation of atmosphere" (ODNB). The work was an instant best-seller and within three months had sold in England more than her three first novels combined, making it her first commercial success. The work's namesake was a traditional inn on Bodmin Moor at which Du Maurier stayed on numerous occasions. Du Maurier first encountered it while riding on the moor on a foggy day with her close friend Foy Quiller-Couch, daughter of the author Arthur Quiller-Couch. The still extant inn has become somewhat of a pilgrimage location for her fans. A film adaptation of the novel was produced in 1939 by Alfred Hitchcock. The film differs from the book in several respects and, while Du Maurier was consequently not a fan, helped establish her literary reputation. Octavo. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in dark green morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, raised bands, single rule to boards gilt, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, burgundy endpapers, gilt edges. A fine copy. .

Set in Cornwall in 1820, 'Jamaica Inn' follows the journey of Mary Yellan who moves to her aunt and uncle's inn, only to uncover its secrets.