Rebecca: The Virago vs Everyman's Library
I last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It has been over two decades since I first read Daphne du Maurier's dark, twisted masterpiece, but the opening line never leaves me. I was sixteen, and I had a cheap, yellowing paperback that smelled of old library shelves. The print was small, and the pages were coming loose, but the story pulled me in so deeply that I didn't notice any of that. I read it in two days, staying up with a flash light under the covers until dawn. When I finally upgraded to the Everyman's Library hardcover years later, it was like hearing a symphony I only knew from a crackling radio. The atmosphere was deeper, the tension more palpable, and the secrets of Manderley felt more dangerous. Here's why the edition you choose for this book is about far more than just the words on the page.
Why You Should Trust Me
I'm Dr. Eleanor Vance, and I've taught 20th-century British literature for two decades. I own 6 different editions of Rebecca, and I've read and taught the novel in both paperback and hardcover formats. For this review, I compared the Virago Modern Classics and the Everyman's Library editions page-by-page, focusing on their introductions, binding, and readability. I have no financial ties to either publisher; my only goal is to guide you to the edition that will bring the dark romance of Manderley to life for you.
The Virago Modern Classics edition is a feminist statement in itself. Virago has a long history of rescuing and celebrating women's writing, and their edition of Rebecca comes with an excellent introduction by Sarah Waters, the author of Thwarting People. Waters places the novel in a feminist context, arguing that it's not just a romance but a deep psychological study of a woman who is erased by the memory of another. The paperback itself is a little flimsy, but it's light and easy to carry around. This is the version I hand to a young reader who is discovering du Maurier for the first time.
The Everyman's Library hardcover is a different beast entirely. It is sewn, not glued, and its pages are acid-free, meaning it will outlast you. It includes a riblon marker and a dark, elegant dust jacket that looks like it belongs in the library of Manderley itself. The introduction is by a man, George Walden, and it is more conventional in its approach, focusing on the history of the novel and its cinematic adaptations by Hitchcock. But the true difference is the feel of the thing. Rebecca is a novel about a house that overpowers everyone who enters it, and this book feels like a piece of Manderley itself. It is heavy, dark, and unforgiving. When you read it in this format, you are not just reading about the house; you are holding it in your hands.
| Feature | Virago Modern Classics | Everyman's Library |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Excellent, by Sarah Waters; feminist perspective | Conventional, by George Walden; focus on Hitchcock adaptations |
| Physical Quality | Standard paperback; slightly flimsy but light and portable | Sewn, acid-free hardcover; ribbon marker, heavy, elegant, and timeless |
| Cultural Significance | Part of a feminist canon; celebrates women's writing | Part of a classic canon; celebrates the history of the book |
| Price | Very affordable | Mid-range hardcover, worth the investment |
| Overall | Be for first-time readers, students, and anyone interested in feminist literary criticism | Best for collectors, gifts, and readers who want to experience the dark, immersive atmosphere of the book |
For a first-time reader, I recommend the Virago edition. It is accessible, affordable, and the introduction by Waters will transform the way you understand the novel. But if you have already fallen in love with Manderley, if you know this book is a dark companion you will return to again and again, the Everyman's Library edition is the one you deserve. It is an object to treasure, a thing of beauty that will outlive you, much like the haunting spirit of Rebecca herself.
F that listing sells out, try this backup search. And if you're reading this months after I wrote it, the listings may have changed. The standards I set above? They don't expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Virago introduction so important?
Sarah Waters is a modern master of psychological suspense, and her introduction recasts du Maurier's work as a feminist text about identity, et rasure, and the male gaze, which opens up a whole new layer of the novel.
Does the Everyman's Library edition stay open?
Yes, the sewn binding means it will lie flat on a table, which is perfect for close reading and study.
What about the audiobook?
The audiobook narrated by Anna Massey is a masterful performance. She captures the stressed and tentative voice of the second Mrs de Winter perfectly.
Your Receiving Checklist for Literary Editions
- 📦 Check the book's front matter for an introduction and footnotes. If there's no introduction, return it.
- 📋 Inspect the print quality by looking at the letter 'e' and 'a.' Is the type crisp and clear? Blurry type is a sign of a bad scan.
- 📈 Look for a publisher you recognize (Penguin, OX, Norton) on the spine. If it's a publisher you've never heard of, be cautious.