The George du Maurier Library

In which the humble vicissitudes of Mr. Gibson’s shop give rise to Leah’s unexpected role as cashier, revealing her natural aptitude for business and earning the respect of both customers and society alike. Meanwhile, courtship and newfound familial alliances unfold with gentle celebratory warmth, illustrating the tender manners and shifting social conventions of the day.

In which Barty returns home full of hopeful intentions to establish himself as an artist, only to encounter the humbling realities of the publishing world and the complexities of his social circle. As he navigates friendship, admiration, and artistic endeavour amidst varying company, his fortunes improve slowly, tempered by the company he keeps and the shifting tides of his inspirations.

In which we witness the earnest and heartfelt musings of a young artist wrestling with love and honour under the starlit sky, expressing his desire for freedom and fidelity above worldly success. Correspondence and reminiscences reveal charming interludes of affection, social encounters, and the comforting embrace of homecomings along the tranquil Thames.

In which Barty wrestles with conflicting passions and the insistent demands of ambition, caught between two very different women who embody divergent futures. Amid whispered music and genteel society, he quietly resolves to pursue his own chosen path, uncertain yet steadfast, as the delicate interplay of love and destiny unfolds around him.

In which our thoughtful Barty receives a mysterious and compelling letter from the elusive Martia, urging him towards a certain matrimonial destiny that sets his mind adrift amid a chorus of doubts and visions by the Rhine. Meanwhile, the fortunes of the Gibson family take a faltering course, leading to a heartwarming reunion in Düsseldorf that stirs gentle reflections on love, honour, and the true nature of affection.

In which the seasons turn gracefully in the little community of Riffrath, and the artist Barty Josselin navigates a winter of quiet contentment, his heart reserved for art and the company of his friends as he hones his singular gift of likeness and expression. Amidst this gentle passage of time, an affectionate letter arrives stirring prospects of a noble alliance, suggesting that even a life devoted to solitary craft may hold unexpected hearts and destinies yet to unfold.

In which our amiable and somewhat reflective young hero, Barty Josselin, navigates the social intricacies and peculiarities of the English colony in Riffrath, encountering a curious blend of gossip, artistic endeavour, and genteel companionship under the watchful eyes of figures notable and unofficial alike. Amidst the delicate social dance and the earnest pursuit of his craft, Barty strikes a balance between the demands of society and his own aspirations, marked by the attentive interest of several well-placed acquaintances and a discerning medical custodian.

In which a sudden and terrifying encounter with a runaway horse in a narrow Chelsea street reveals a young lady’s quiet courage and tenderness, prompting a heartfelt but unfulfilled proposal. Subsequently, the narrative turns to a lively journey through Belgium to Düsseldorf, where new acquaintances are made and cheerful hopes are kindled amidst the charming bustle of foreign streets and the gleaming Rhine.

In which the gentle musings of a sensitive soul reflect upon dreams of a mysterious aquatic realm and the curious anatomy of the human eye, leading to a renewed hope and a tender correspondence with family amidst the cheerful distractions of Brussels and Antwerp. Meanwhile, the ties of friendship and kinship intertwine with news of social intricacies and impending journeys, all observed with a quietly affectionate and somewhat wistful eye.

In which a young gentleman, struggling under the shadow of imminent blindness, resolves to meet his fate with an invincible smile yet is startled awake from despair by a mysterious, ethereal letter that reassures him with gentle wisdom and unfathomable affection. Emboldened by this cryptic message and the comforting presence of an unseen guardian named Martia, he embarks on a cautious journey from melancholy to renewed hope, aided by curious experiments and the promise of companionship in foreign lands.

In which we observe the melancholy decline of poor Barty’s eyesight amidst a dreary existence marked by failed treatments and a regrettable flirtation leading to a troublesome duel, followed by devoted nursing care; his friendships and solitary wanderings through Belgian towns softening the gloom with moments of song and gentle conviviality. Yet the shadow deepens as he confronts the grim certainty of his blindness with a stoic spirit, a poignant testament to the resilience of hope and faith in the face of irreversible affliction.

In which the narrative unfolds a tender and melancholy portrait of a young man grappling with physical ailment and spiritual disillusionment, softened by the unfailing affection of his devoted aunt and close friends. Concurrently, a subtle drama of social rivalries and romantic entanglements quietly simmers among their acquaintances, marked notably by the arrival of the urbane and somewhat insufferable Mr. Scatcherd.

In which the gentle April air and a keen east wind frame quiet domestic evenings wherein Lady Caroline reads aloud to Barty, while music serves as a tender balm, drawing on the soulful voices of the great masters through the deft fingers of a learned priest, their melodies intertwining with reflections on love, loss, and the subtleties of human emotion. Herein blossoms a renewed fraternity of affection and solace, tempered by the delicate interplay of memory, music, and the inevitability of life’s passing shadows.

In which the genteel protagonists settle into the somnolent charms of Malines, a town whose ancient streets and lofty churches evoke a timeless stillness and a meditative air, whilst its inhabitants and occasional splendid visitors offer a tableau of quiet dignity and quaint local colour. Amidst the lingering echoes of history and the soft, steady chimes of the cathedral, the narrative unfolds with delicate attention to the simple pleasures of daily life, the savour of meals well remembered, and the subtle poetry of landscape and shadow.

In which our gentle narrator recounts the melancholy decline of poor Barty Josselin, whose failing sight and dwindling fortunes cast a sombre shadow over his previously lively existence, yet find solace in the rekindling of a once-warm familial bond with his devout and compassionate Aunt Caroline. The old friendship revives amidst heartfelt confessions and tender understanding, bringing a new, gentle purpose to Barty’s days and a softening of old estrangements under the kindly light of shared grief and affection.

In which the once promising concert performances of the Veronese family take a rapid descent from local acclaim to street entertainment, leaving poor Marianina in a pitiable state that draws the compassion of Barty. Meanwhile, Barty finds new acquaintance and lively distraction among a convivial Belgian set, whose spirited company temporarily lifts his spirits despite the ever-darkening shadow over his ailing eye.

In which a chance meeting on a summer journey brings together a motley quartet bound for Blankenberghe, where music, modest lodgings, and surprisingly frank performances reveal the nuances beneath artistic pretensions. Our gentle narrator finds himself drawn into this curious company, offering quiet rescue and companionship amid moments of both disappointment and unexpected harmony.

In which we observe the industrious and amiable Barty Josselin as he embarks upon his artistic studies amidst the charming environs of Paris, Antwerp, and Brussels, making friends and cultivating a refined appreciation of music and society. Yet amidst this bustling progress and congenial life, a sudden and unsettling affliction of his eyesight casts a shadow upon his otherwise felicitous existence, leading him to seek counsel and remedies in the quaint seaside town of Blankenberghe.

In which the vicissitudes of fortitude and friendship glide gently through the lives of Barty and Bonzig, marked by slender purses, moments of generous camaraderie, and the poignant tides of fortune’s favour and loss. From boisterous dinners and seaside hopes to the heart-rending news of absence and the delicate stirrings of old acquaintances reunited, the narrative unfolds with a quiet, observant grace that colours these seemingly unremarkable yet deeply human episodes.

In which our gentleman, wearied by solitude and struggling with the rudiments of artistic copying, finds unexpected companionship in the shabby yet spirited Bonzig and the clever young painter Lirieux, together navigating the modest pleasures and trials of bohemian Parisian life. Their friendship kindles a quiet happiness amid humble repasts, cigarettes, and country rambles, punctuated by the warm camaraderie of shared hardships and simple joys.

In which the departure of a dear friend to Paris stirs a mix of affection, melancholy, and reflection amid the familiar London fog and Sunday hymns, revealing the quiet depths of character and a tender concern for those less fortunate. Meanwhile, the friend’s arrival in Paris opens a chapter of both whimsical battles with bedbugs and poignant reminiscences, as he wrestles with artistic ambition and youthful longing beneath the ever-watchful city skies.

In which we attend a lively series of musical evenings, wherein the charms and challenges of Barty’s singing aspirations are gently explored amidst convivial company and spirited dances at the Gibsons’. The narrative delicately captures the tender camaraderie and social nuances of this set, culminating in a moonlit departure imbued with a subtle wistfulness and harmonious farewells.

In which we observe the gentle unraveling of family and friendship amid a London society rich in charm and scandal, with youthful indiscretions and tender loyalties weaving a delicate and sorrowful tapestry. Meanwhile, amidst chemical experiments and musical evenings, the narrator finds solace and hope in modest pleasures and the innocent strength of youthful affection.

In which the narrator becomes acquainted with the captivating Leah Gibson and her lively family, whose social gatherings brim with music, dance, and genial merriment, revealing a circle of genteel affability and spirited character. Amongst these introductions and convivialities, the irrepressible Barty Josselin emerges, charming all with his humour and disdain for solemnity, despite the guarded glances of more sober company.

In which we are given a glimpse into the amiable companionship and contrasting dispositions of Robert Maurice and Barty Josselin, whose lively escapades through London’s varied quarters bring a colourful vitality to otherwise dreary Sundays. The narrative subtly reveals the shaping influences of youth, society, and delicate affections amidst scenes both refined and roguish, marked by a tenderness toward the complexity of character and circumstance.

In which the narrator fondly recalls the enchanting evenings spent with Barty Josselin and his family, enveloped in music, poetry, and the warmth of companionship, set against the backdrop of their parting from school and Paris life. The narrative delicately portrays their diverging paths—Barty's military pursuits and societal circles, contrasted with the narrator's scientific ambitions—while capturing the charming rituals of their enduring friendship.

In which the narrator wistfully revisits the tender joys and trivial pursuits of youth spent at a French school, recalling friendships, examinations, and the poignant passage of time with a gentle mix of affection and melancholy. Amidst these reveries, the familiar surroundings of a stately English home provide a warm refuge, bathed in the comforting glow of memory and firelight.

In which the tribulations and small rebellions of schoolboy life at the Pension Brossard are gently unfolded, revealing a school governed by unyielding honour and punctuated by moments of youthful defiance and stern discipline. The narrative captures with affectionate detail the characters’ quirks and camaraderie, including a touching portrayal of Mademoiselle Marceline, whose kindness and beauty inspire tender affections among the boys.

In which the youthful Barty Josselin reveals himself as a spirited and mischievous lad, beloved by his confessor for his imaginative wit and sweet voice, while also mastering a secret shorthand system alongside the narrator. The year unfolds with Barty’s fascination for the sea, literary pursuits, and a memorable escapade involving a pre-dawn swim that ends in a lively chase through the school grounds.

In which the leisurely rhythms of school life and genteel camaraderie unfold with charming detail, painting a portrait of youthful diligence and the simple pleasures of friendship, family, and art. Interspersed with gentle humour and delicate observations on manners and character, the narrative captures a singularly happy, unremarkable year suffused with boyish mischief and moments of tender domesticity.

In which the sombre stillness of mourning at the loss of the beloved head-master is tenderly observed, as the boys and masters carry out their solemn farewells with a mixture of grief and reverence. Amidst this melancholy, a spirited yet affectionate quarrel between two schoolfellows breaks out, culminating in a heartwarming reconciliation that gently underscores the bonds of youth and friendship.

In which the tender complexities of youthful affection and mistaken hand-squeezes accompany the somber return to school under the dreary October skies, where the earnest resolve to excel in studies is warmly contrasted by the genial hospitality and charming idiosyncrasies of the Archibald Rohans. The narrative gently shifts to a sombre note with the sudden and silent passing of Père Brossard, casting a pall of grief upon the boys who find themselves suspended in an unnatural and hushed mourning.

In which a daring encounter with a bull reveals the brave but guileless character of young Barty, whose candid nature endears him to his companions despite the occasional troubles it invites. Following this, a charming and leisurely tour through the picturesque Loire country unfolds, filled with joyous festivities, genteel hospitality, and the tender moments of youthful affection beneath the evening stars.

In which we are gently ushered into the daily rhythms and quaint intimacies of life at the House of Laferté, where old Polyphemus's morning rituals and Barty's musical interludes paint a vivid tableau of camaraderie and simple pleasures. The narrative wanders into the shadowy depths of the nearby forest, revealing its haunting legends and evoking a wistful nostalgia for wild woods and bygone days filled with mysterious lore and rustic charm.

In which we are introduced to the singular household of M. Laferté, a towering and somewhat grim ironmaster turned mayor, whose rustic yet generous family welcomes the lively presence of Barty with gentle affection and good-humoured oversight. Their days are enlivened by shooting expeditions, whimsical entertainments, and the hearty camaraderie of meals where the boundaries between master and servant pleasantly dissolve.

In which the gentle turmoil of revolutionary Paris provides a striking backdrop to the narrator’s youthful days spent amidst familial affection and the captivating personality of Barty Josselin, whose charm effortlessly wins the hearts of those around him. As examinations approach, friendships deepen and the promise of a country retreat stirs the spirit with images of serene landscapes and rural delights, contrasting with the city's distant sounds of conflict.

In which the languid interval of a holiday spent within the confines of a Parisian school is enlivened chiefly by the gracious Bonzig, whose passionate tales of maritime adventure and kindly companionship offer a balm to the boys' restless spirits. As the term resumes, the innocent amusements of school games and evening stories are overshadowed by the distant rumblings of political upheaval that gather with ominous portent around the city.

In which the carefree wanderings and convivial joys of Parisian Sundays are recounted with affectionate detail, enlivened by music, fashion, and the charming antics of youthful camaraderie. The narrative captures a spirited moment of spontaneous street performance amidst the city’s curiosities before segueing into reflections on school examinations and the eager release of holiday freedom.

In which we become acquainted with the singular character of young Barty Josselin, a boy as generous in spirit as he is impervious to pain, whose lively escapades and friendships at the Institution F. Brossard paint a vivid picture of schoolboy camaraderie and the gentle trials of youth. The narrative reveals a quaintly detailed tableau of scholastic rigour, language lessons, and the refreshing pleasures of summer swimming, all tinted with the affectionate and observant eye of a nostalgic chronicler.

In which we become acquainted with a remarkable boy named Barty, whose curious and almost uncanny sense of direction bewilders even the learned, and whose spirited nature and fondness for physical prowess render him a singular figure among his schoolfellows. Through gentle observation, we perceive his flaws and foibles—his impulsiveness, pride in appearance, and peculiar tastes—interwoven with a tender humanity that endears him to those around him.

In which we are introduced to the delightful early years of Josselin, a boy of enchanting beauty and singular wit, whose spirited antics and endearing talents win the hearts of both masters and comrades alike in a Parisian schoolroom. His extraordinary gifts—ranging from uncanny musicality to an almost preternatural instinct for direction—render him a figure of unceasing admiration and gentle mischief, enlivening the narrative with a vivacious charm.

In which the narrator fondly recalls the vanished days of youth amidst the changing streets and residences of Passy, weaving a tender tapestry of memories centered on a certain fair-haired English boy whose lineage and early life are steeped in both romance and tragedy. The tale unfurls with delicate detail the bittersweet history of this boy’s parents, highlighting the passionate loves, duels, and sorrow that shaped his orphaned existence and led to his being taken in by well-to-do relatives with a flair for nurturing the delights of music and fondness.

In which the daily rhythms and disciplined regimen of a French boarding school are tenderly painted, capturing the hearty meals, rigorous studies, spirited games, and the varied social tapestry of boys drawn from many stations of life. Amidst this backdrop, the gentle kindness of the institution and its republican ideals quietly shape the youthful days of Monsieur Josselin and his comrades.

In which a new English boy, Bartholomiou Josselin, makes his peculiar and memorable entrance into a French boarding school, winning over both pupils and staff with his quiet charm and an unexpected white mouse. The narrative gently unfolds the everyday rigours and quaint customs of the institution, revealing a microcosm of youthful trials, friendships, and the smaller domestic details that paint a vivid picture of school life.

In which on a sweltering summer afternoon in 1847, a classroom at a Parisian institution hums with the bluster and fretfulness of boys enduring lessons in Latin and French under the watchful eyes of their masters, whilst the outside world drifts by through open windows scented with lime and lilac. Into this ordered scene breaks the arrival of a striking new English pupil, whose presence stirs a quiet sense of anticipation among the schoolboys and their teachers alike.

In which the narrator undertakes the noble and tender task of presenting a truthful and unvarnished portrait of an extraordinary man, whose gentle nature and boundless affection have left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. With the tenderness of lifelong devotion and the humility of a plain speaker, he prepares to recount a story woven closely with his own, seeking simply to honour a cherished friend’s memory with sincerity and love.