Trilby

Description

First published in 1894, George du Maurier’s (father of Daphne) story of the diva Trilby O’Ferrall and her mesmeric mentor Svengali has entered the mythology of the time alongside Dracula and Sherlock Holmes. Immensely popular for a number of years, the novel led to a hit play, a series of popular films, and, of most interest to Chaps, the name of the trilby hat. The setting of the story reflects the author’s bohemian years as an art student in Paris; James McNeill Whistler was to recognise himself in one of the early serialised instalments. The novel was adapted for the stage several times; one production featured the lead actress wearing a distinctive short-brimmed hat with a sharp snap to the back of the brim. The hat became known as the trilby and the rest is the history of menswear. This is a reprint from the 1930s in good condition, with some wear to the dust jacket.