In 'The Doll' a waterlogged notebook washes ashore, its pages telling a dark story of obsession and jealousy:

'I want to know if men realise when they are insane. Sometimes I think that my brain cannot hold together, it is filled with too much horror - too much despair . . . I cannot close my eyes without seeing his damned face. If only it had been a dream.'

Many of the stories in this chilling collection were written early in Daphne du Maurier's career, before she wrote the masterpieces that would cement her reputation as one of the twentieth century's greatest writers: Rebecca, 'The Birds' and 'Don't Look Now'. Tales of human frailty and obsession, the thirteen stories in The Doll demonstrate du Maurier's extraordinary storytelling ability and her deep understanding of human nature.

'A magnificent contribution to our opportunities to appreciate and understand du Maurier . . . a woman far ahead of her time, passionate, intelligent and deeply imaginative' Daily Telegraph

Introduced by Polly Samson

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.