"Svengali, the malevolent hypnotist in Trilby, a sensationally successful novel published by George Du Maurier in 1894, became such a well-known character in the culture of the period that his name entered the dictionary as one who exerts a malign influence over another. This book investigates the enduring use of his image in modern culture and politics, exploring the origins and impact of Svengali and his helplessly mesmerised female victim Trilby in an age already rife with discussions of race, covert persuasion and the unconscious mind."--BOOK JACKET.