New Releases by Somerset Maugham

In "The Moon and Sixpence," William Somerset Maugham weaves a captivating narrative inspired by the life of the artist Paul Gauguin. This novel employs a rich, impressionistic style that mirrors the vividness of Gauguin's own works, inviting the reader into a world where the boundaries between reality and art blur. Maugham's exploration of the conflict between societal expectations and creative ambition is intricately developed through the protagonist, Charles Strickland, whose obsessive pursuit of artistic expression leads him to abandon his mundane life in London for the enchanting yet challenging landscapes of Tahiti. The novel not only serves as a profound character study but also critiques the very essence of civilization in contrast to the primal instincts of desire and creativity. Maugham's own travels and experiences as an expatriate deeply influenced his depiction of artistic fervor and the inherent struggle for self-realization. His background as a playwright and novelist, coupled with his encounters with artists and bohemians, provides a nuanced understanding of the fine line between genius and madness. This rich tapestry of personal insight and observation is expertly woven into the fabric of the narrative, making it a compelling read. "The Moon and Sixpence" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate interplay between art and life, as well as those who ponder the sacrifices made in the pursuit of passion. Maugham eloquently captures the complexity of human nature, making this novel a timeless exploration of the price of artistic integrity and the relentless quest for authenticity.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In 'The Narrow Corner,' W. Somerset Maugham masterfully weaves a tale of human complexities and moral ambiguities. Employing his trademark incisive wit and psychological insight, Maugham invites his readers into a world where the tumultuous inner lives of his characters are as significant as their exotic outward adventures. The narrative, suspended between the tenets of realism and the nuances of impressionism, explores the intricate dance of fate and free will. Its literary context finds roots in Maugham's own experiences in the Far East, resonating with themes of escape and the quest for redemption, which are central to many of his works. The book's descriptive prose harmonizes with DigiCat Publishing's commitment to preserving the resonance of humanity's literary heritage, offering a vibrant new format for contemporary readership. W. Somerset Maugham, a reputed playwright, novelist, and short story writer, was as nuanced and complex as the characters he created. His works often draw from his own life's vicissitudes, including his experiences as a medical student at St Thomas's Hospital in London, and his far-flung travels, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. 'The Narrow Corner' is no exception, likely influenced by Maugham's personal acquaintance with the darker and more enigmatic corners of the human heart and the shadowy recesses of colonial outposts. 'The Narrow Corner' is recommended not just as a work of literary art but as a profound exploration of the human condition. It beckons the discerning reader to ponder the depths of character and the complexity of actions driven by hidden motives. Maugham's storytelling is both a mirror and a window—reflecting our own often contradictory natures and providing glimpses into worlds and experiences that challenge and enrich our understanding of life and self. This book is particularly suited for those who are intrigued by the psychological drama and ethical quandaries that define so much of our collective human narrative.

The Magician is a novel by British author W. Somerset Maugham, originally published in 1908. In this tale, the magician Oliver Haddo, a caricature of Aleister Crowley, attempts to create life. Crowley wrote a critique of this book under the pen name Oliver Haddo, in which he accused Maugham of plagiarism. Maugham wrote The Magician in London, after he had spent some time living in Paris, where he met Aleister Crowley. The novel was later republished with a foreword by Maugham entitled A Fragment of Autobiography. The novel inspired a film of the same name directed in 1926 by Rex Ingram.

The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, first published on April 15, 1919. It is told in episodic form by a first-person narrator in a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of the central character, Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abandons his wife and children abruptly to pursue his desire to become an artist. The story is in part based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin.

The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham first published in April 15th, 1919. It is told in episodic form by a first-person narrator, in a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of the central character Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker, who abandons his wife and children abruptly to pursue his desire to become an artist. The story is in part based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin.

The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham first published in April 15th, 1919. It is told in episodic form by a first-person narrator, in a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of the central character Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker, who abandons his wife and children abruptly to pursue his desire to become an artist. The story is in part based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin. The book was made into a stage play in 1925 at the New Theatre with Henry Ainley as Strickland and Eileen Sharp as Ata and a film of the same name directed and written by Albert Lewin. Released in 1942, the film stars George Sanders as Charles Strickland.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

William Somerset Maugham CH (25 January 1874 - 16 December 1965), better known as W. Somerset Maugham, was a British playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s. After both his parents died before he was 10, Maugham was raised by a paternal uncle who was emotionally cold. Not wanting to become a lawyer like other men in his family, Maugham eventually trained and qualified as a physician. The initial run of his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), sold out so rapidly that Maugham gave up medicine to write full-time.

The Moon and Sixpence is a novel by W Somerset Maugham, told in episodic form by a first-person narrator, in a series of glimpses into the mind and soul of the central character Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker, who abandons his wife and children abruptly to pursue his desire to become an artist. It is based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin.

Life in the South Pacific Colonial Islands “The tragedy of love is not death or separation. How long do you think it would have been before one or other of them ceased to care? Oh, it is dreadfully bitter to look at a woman whom you have loved with all your heart and soul, so that you felt you could not bear to let her out of your sight, and realize that you would not mind if you never saw her again. The tragedy of love is indifference.” - W. Somerset Maugham, The Trembling of a Leaf Spy for the British Empire, W. Somerset Maugham traveled many times to South Pacific and the Far East. There, he started creating series of short stories about the life of the colonialists and how the remoteness and strangeness of such far-away lands can ultimately destroy the very soul of the civilized man. Xist Publishing is a digital-first publisher. Xist Publishing creates books for the touchscreen generation and is dedicated to helping everyone develop a lifetime love of reading, no matter what form it takes

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

W. Somerset Maugham was one of the seminal writers of the twentieth century, and his travel writing has long been considered among his finest work. Now, acclaimed travel writer Pico Iyer maps out a masterful tour of these vivid, evocative pieces that are collected here for the first time. Maugham worked as a secret agent in Russia, published novels in London, staged plays in New York, and traveled throughout Europe, Asia, India, and the United States, chronicling his travels, wherever he went, with exceptional insight. Beginning with “In the Land of the Blessed Virgin” and culminating in “A Partial View,” Iyer selects vignettes of Maugham’s razor-sharp prose that track his transformation from a boyish traveler in Spain to a worldly man of letters. This is Maugham at his most keenly observant, direct, and powerful.

First published in 1935, this is Somerset Maugham's account of a journey he made from Rangoon to Haiphong - by river to Mandalay, on horseback through the mountains and forests of the Shan States to Bangkok, and onwards by sea. The book includes travel impressions and autobiographical confidences.

"Though Aleister Crowley served, as I have said, as the model for Oliver Haddo, it is by no means a portrait of him. I made my character more striking in appearance, more sinister and more ruthless than Crowley ever was. I gave him magical powers that Crowley, though he claimed them, certainly never possessed. Crowley, however, recognized himself in the creature of my invention, for such it was, and wrote a full-page review of the novel in "Vanity Fair, " which he signed 'Oliver Haddo.' I did not read it, and wish now that I had. I daresay it was a pretty piece of vituperation, but probably, like his poems, intolerably verbose." -- W. Somerset Maugham

A collection of stories featuring Ashenden--a writer drawn into the war through undercover intelligence--reflects the author's experiences in the Intelligence Department during World War I. (General Fiction).

Larry Darrell is a young American in search of the absolute. The progress of his spiritual odyssey involves him with some of Maugham's most brilliant characters - his fiance e Isabel whose choice between love and wealth have lifelong repercussions, and Elliott Templeton, her uncle, a classic expatriate American snob. Maugham himself wanders in and out of the story, to observe his characters struggling with their fates.