Peter Ibbetson (ePub)

George Du Maurier (1834-1896) was a Franco-British cartoonist and author, now best remembered for his novel 'Peter Ibbetson.' Born in Paris to a French mother and a British father, Du Maurier began his artistic journey studying chemistry before turning to art, where his talents flourished. His career as an illustrator saw his works frequently featured in the satirical magazine 'Punch,' where his keen observations of Victorian society earned him recognition. Transitioning from art to literature, Du Maurier established himself as a novelist with 'Peter Ibbetson' (1891), a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of love, dreams, and the subconscious. His foray into literature allowed him to delve deeply into character psychology and the subtle nuance of human emotion, setting a rich precedent for this genre in the late 19th century. Du Maurier's literary style often intertwined his visual sensibilities with a narrative voice that was both evocative and capable of sharp social commentary. Though 'Peter Ibbetson' was overshadowed by his later work, 'Trilby' (1894), which introduced the world to the mesmerist Svengali, it remains a compelling exploration of memory and the depth of the human psyche. Du Maurier's legacy persists not only through his literary contributions but also through his influence on his descendants, including his grandson, the renowned author Daphne du Maurier.