George Du Maurier, the Satirist of the Victorians

George Du Maurier, the Satirist of the Victorians by T. Martin Wood rescues a towering but often misunderstood figure of Victorian art and letters, offering a vivid review of his art and personality. Wood traces du Maurier’s career across the periodical press, emphasizing the earlier, finer phases of his illustration and satirical work that time had buried in back numbers. Enriched by forty-one reproductions from portraits, sketchbooks, manuscripts and Cornhill Magazine plates, the book explores the interplay between du Maurier’s drawing and his novels, arguing for a deep personal connection between life and creative output without ever spoiling his fiction. Placing du Maurier in the social and artistic currents of the late 19th century, Wood balances art criticism with literary commentary, illuminating themes of character, caricature and the vicissitudes of reputation. A compelling blend of art history and literary biography, this audiobook will appeal to listeners interested in Victorian satire, illustration, and cultural history—students, art lovers, and readers who want a richer, corrective portrait of one of the era’s most influential satirists.