Music relating to Daphne du Maurier and letter to David Rodgers

Scope and Content

Script and set of 6 CD's for 'The mystery of Daphne's music' presented on May 14 2008 at The Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature by Collin Langley.

Two accompanying booklets 'The Mystery of Daphne's Music unravelled..' and 'Daphne's Poetry'. Inscribed to Helen Taylor by Collin Langley.

Letter from Daphne du Maurier to David Rogers, dated 11 Jan 1971, concerning her novel 'The House on the Strand'.

Administrative / Biographical History

Collin Langley (1943-) was educated in Wimbledon. His working life was spent mainly in the City as a Chartered Tax Advisor. He became a partner in an international firm of Chartered Accountants and very involved with The Chartered Institute of Taxation and The American Chamber of Commerce.

Langley read Daphne du Maurier's entire fictional output on his daily commute to London inspired by a family holiday to the West Country and a visit to Jamaica Inn. However, his introduction to 'Du Maurier Country' was not until retirement; the former Du Maurier Festival in 1999 became an annual pilgrimage. During the 2005 Festival he met Professor Helen Taylor of Exeter University who invited him to make a presentation at the 2007 conference and the following year to present his research to the Festival audience.

Using his research experience, Langley was attracted to hitherto uncharted aspects of Daphne du Maurier's life, her interest in poetry and sense of humour and how these manifested themselves in her writing.

Access Information

Usual EUL conditions apply.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Collin Langley

Other Finding Aids

Listed. See Description above.

Alternative Form Available

The letter to David Rogers is copied in EUL MS 342/3/

Conditions Governing Use

Usual EUL restrictions apply.

Custodial History

Copy of du Maurier letter and explanatory notes already deposited by Collin Langley in EUL MS 342/3