Trilbyana

as jealous that the "Trilby Craze" distracts public attention away from himself. New technologies in printing and distribution led to widespread reading across the United States in the 19th century. Illustrated books were extremely popular forms of entertainment.” Du Maurier’s novel sold astonishingly well. Harpers Weekly serialized the story and it ran for eight months before being published as novel in September of 1894. The novels popularity led to a “Trilby Boom,” in America. Benson Gilder noted in his review of the fad includes a short interview regarding the value of the drawings in the novel. The drawings were valued at about $50 apiece. The total set of drawings was $6,000. The popularity of the pictures and the story resulted in many companies reproducing of the images to create new projects, causing Harpers Weekly to fight many cases about copyright infringement. == Trilby in theater ==

One of the most popular uses of Trilby was in theater. Many different playhouses and troupes put on plays about Trilby, including reproductions of the novel and satire. In 1895 the Garden Theater in New York held a showing of Mr. Paul M. Potter's dramatized version of Trilby. The show was so popular people were turned away from the full playhouse. An outline of Baird's foot was included; the caption extolled the greatness of her feet. G. W. Dillingham a publishing house released, Drilby Re-versed, written by Leopold Jordan, an illustrated parody of du Maurier's original story. A skit titled Billtry by Mary Kyle Dallas was published and sold as well. Trilby was an extremely popular novel that integrated itself into popular culture of the United States; being expressed in toys, foods, and many other items aside from theater. == Commercial success ==

Trilby was introduced into aspects of daily life as well as entertainment. Trilby parties were held in private estates, one party detailed by Jenkins was an all-male party that consisted of sad songs and readings about history and hypnotism respectively. There were even shoe stores in Southern Virginia selling Trilby branded shoe polish. Other products include fashionable clothing similar to what Trilby wore, jewelry, hearth brushes, dolls and other toys. Harper & Bros. produced many toys and costumes that attributed to the popularization of Trilby. The other products that were developed with during the phase including cufflinks, gumdrops, chocolate, ice-cream sundaes with nuts, scarf pins, and pins of golden feet. == Living Trilbyana ==

The integration of Trilby into daily life led to many men and women changing their lifestyles and style of dress to match the story. This caused many discussions about the morals of the main characters and social propriety. Gilder Benson's reflection on the novel includes a small conversation between two women regarding the morals of Trilby. Religious figures also spoke against Trilby and Trilbyana. Rev. H. M. Sanders denounced popular culture stating plays had become immoral and an inappropriate form of entertainment. The article also notes that the theatrical production was also held in at least one church, another form of improper conduct according to the Rev, H. M. Sanders. ==References==