Best Selling Books by Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham''s "The Moon and Sixpence" delves into the life of Charles Strickland, a character inspired by the artist Paul Gauguin. Richly adorned with Maugham''s signature blend of realism and modernist sensibility, the narrative unfolds in a first-person account that intertwines the mundane and the extraordinary, reflecting the artist''s quest for self-actualization amidst societal conventions. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the novel critiques the bourgeois values that often stifle creativity, exploring themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the dichotomy between artistic aspiration and societal duty. Maugham, a notable playwright and novelist, drew on his own experiences with the bohemian artist community while crafting this poignant tale. Having traveled extensively and witnessed the struggles of creative minds, Maugham was uniquely positioned to explore the yearning for freedom and authenticity that drives artists. His keen observations and psychological insights enable a compelling exploration of the intersection between art and the human condition, providing a philosophical framework that resonates throughout the novel. I recommend "The Moon and Sixpence" to readers seeking a profound exploration of artistic integrity and the complexities of personal ambition. Maugham''s narrative, imbued with keen observation and existential reflection, invites readers to ponder the true cost of pursuing one''s passions. This timeless work remains essential reading for those fascinated by the interplay of art and life.

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time "It is very difficult for a writer of my generation, if he is honest, to pretend indifference to the work of Somerset Maugham," wrote Gore Vidal. "He was always so entirely there." Originally published in 1915, Of Human Bondage is a potent expression of the power of sexual obsession and of modern man''s yearning for freedom. This classic bildungsroman tells the story of Philip Carey, a sensitive boy born with a clubfoot who is orphaned and raised by a religious aunt and uncle. Philip yearns for adventure, and at eighteen leaves home, eventually pursuing a career as an artist in Paris. When he returns to London to study medicine, he meets the androgynous but alluring Mildred and begins a doomed love affair that will change the course of his life. There is no more powerful story of sexual infatuation, of human longing for connection and freedom. "Here is a novel of the utmost importance," wrote Theodore Dreiser on publication. "It is a beacon of light by which the wanderer may be guided. . . . One feels as though one were sitting before a splendid Shiraz of priceless texture and intricate weave, admiring, feeling, responding sensually to its colors and tones." With an Introduction by Gore Vidal Commentary by Theodore Dreiser and Graham Greene

In ''The Painted Veil,'' William Somerset Maugham offers an incisive and perceptive exploration of the human spirit cloaked in an engrossing narrative of moral transformation. Elegantly woven and written with the precision and clarity that marks Maugham''s style, this novel delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Hong Kong and London, the narrative follows Kitty Garstin, a young woman whose trivial pursuits are challenged by the realities of life, and a consequential voyage that alters her perspective irrevocably. This novel stands out in its keen examination of character and society, showcasing Maugham''s talent for dissecting the adorned facades people construct around their lives. Maugham, a master of the modern novel, was profoundly influenced by his own experiences as a doctor, a traveler, and an observer of human frailties. His profound understanding of human nature is evident in the authentic and multifaceted characters he presents. Maugham''s life, interlaced with exposure to colonial tensions and his open struggles with his own identity, find parallels in the internal and external conflicts faced by his protagonist. ''The Painted Veil'' is an essential read for those who seek a nuanced literary journey into the depths of existential contemplation and societal critique. It appeals to readers who appreciate psychological realism and those drawn to the experience of self-discovery against the grand tapestries of the natural world and social expectation. Maugham''s narrative invites reflection, ensuring that the resonance of Kitty''s enlightenment transcends the pages and endures within the reader''s own perceptions of life and self.

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.

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.

W. Somerset Maughan was one of the Britain''s most famous playwrights of his time, and this is one of his most beloved works.

This book is one of the classic book of all time.

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham