Based on the true story of one of du Maurier's own distant relatives, Mary Anne's love of money and the men who spend it embroil her in risks that threaten her very existence.
27th October 2025
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
Based on the true story of one of du Maurier's own distant relatives, Mary Anne's love of money and the men who spend it embroil her in risks that threaten her very existence.
Description
'This novel catches fire' NEW YORK TIMES
DISCOVER THIS THRILLING STORY OF DESIRE AND AMBITION FROM THE AUTHOR OF REBECCAShe set men's hearts on fire and scandalized a country. In Regency London, the only way for a woman to succeed is to beat men at their own game. So when Mary Anne Clarke seeks an escape from her squalid surroundings in Bowling Inn Alley, she ventures first into the scurrilous world of the pamphleteers. Her personal charms are such, however, before long she is noticed by the Duke of York.With her taste for luxury and power, Mary Anne, now a royal mistress, must aim higher. Her lofty connections allow her to establish a thriving trade in military commissions, provoking a scandal that rocks the government and brings personal disgrace.A vivid portrait of overweening ambition, Mary Anne is set during the Napoleonic Wars and based on the life of du Maurier's own great-great-grandmother.'She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense' GUARDIAN'With unfailing du Maurier skill, the author has coupled family interest with dramatic sense' ELIZABETH BOWENCritic Reviews
She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality Guardian
Daphne du Maurier has no equal Sunday Telegraph
This novel catches fire New York Times
Like its heroine the book is possessed of such unforgettably vivid charm that one is seduced
With unfailing du Maurier skill, the author has coupled family interest with dramatic sense -- Elizabeth Bowen
Likely to rank as the author's best book Saturday Review
With unfailing du Maurier skill, the author has coupled family interest with dramatic sense Elizabeth Bowen, Tatler
Like its heroine the book is possessed of such unforgettably vivid charm that one is seduced L. S. Hilton
She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality Guardian
About the Author
Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) was born in London, England. In 1931 her first novel, The Loving Spirit was published. A biography of her father and three other novels followed, but it was the novel Rebecca that launched her into the literary stratosphere and made her one of the most popular authors of her day. In 1932, du Maurier married Major Frederick Browning with whom she had three children.
Many of du Maurier's bestselling novels and short stories were adapted into award-winning films, including Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and Nicolas Roeg's Don't Look Now. In 1969, du Maurier was awarded the Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE). She lived most of her life in Cornwall and died there which is the setting for many of her books.Product Details
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27th October 2025
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