New Releases by W. Somerset Maugham

This classic novel about the truth behind an author's literary legacy is "a brilliant, sophisticated, amusing satire" ( Chicago Tribune ). To London's intellectual elite, Edward Driffield was the "Last of the Victorians," a novelist whose works defined an era and shaped English literature. This is how his widow Amy Driffield wishes for her husband to be remembered—and how she asks author Alroy Kear to pen Edward's biography and preserve his legend. With only a little knowledge of Driffield's early career, Kear turns to yet another author, William Ashenden, for insight into the great writer's life. Ashenden was just a teenager when he met Driffield in Kent County's seaside town of Blackstable, spending time with the burgeoning novelist and his first wife Rose, a vivacious barmaid with a wicked reputation. A few years later in London when he was a medical student, Ashenden encountered the Driffields again, getting swept up into their bohemian lifestyle. While Edward's literary star rises, Rose follows her own muses, enjoying the company of the city's artists—and engaging in an affair with Ashenden. The affair and the marriage both end when Rose vanishes without warning, running away with another man. While both Driffield's widow and Kear are determined to minimize Rose's role in the author's life and career, Ashenden remembers Rose as an inspiring force of nature to everyone she encountered, especially the genius of Edward Driffield. "An extraordinary work" — The New Yorker "Perfectly priceless writing." — Chicago Tribune

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.

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.

In "Then and Now," W. Somerset Maugham masterfully weaves a narrative that juxtaposes the social and moral transformations of early 20th-century society with personal reflections on identity and consequence. Rich in psychological insight, the novel employs a lyrical yet incisive style that captures the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of shifting societal norms. Maugham's keen observational skills shine through in his character-driven storytelling, where he intricately develops themes of disillusionment and the passage of time, reflecting on the inevitable changes that shape individual lives and shared experiences. W. Somerset Maugham, one of the most prominent British writers of his time, navigated a diverse range of cultures and social worlds. His extensive travels and varied life experiences, including early career setbacks and personal tragedies, deeply informed his literary voice. Maugham's unique perspective as both a playwright and a novelist enabled him to explore the intricacies of human emotions and societal structures, making him a critical commentator on his era. "Then and Now" is highly recommended for readers interested in a profound exploration of societal evolution through the lens of personal narratives. Maugham's astute observations and elegant prose create a compelling read, offering insights that remain resonant in today's world. This work is a testament to Maugham's enduring legacy as a master storyteller, deserving a cherished place on any literary shelf.

A novel of love and betrayal set during a cholera epidemic from the acclaimed British author of Of Human Bondage, "a great artist, a genius" (Theodore Dreiser). "[Theodore Dreiser] is the modern writer who has influenced me the most." —George Orwell Arriving in Hong Kong in the 1920s, newlywed Kitty Fane soon learns that being the wife of a British government bacteriologist gives her no particular social status. It only adds to her dissatisfaction with her life and her husband, Walter. Her marriage has been nothing but a mistake. But she soon embarks on an affair that transforms her very being. There is passion. There is hope. There is a future full of possibility. When Walter must go deep into mainland China to help treat the victims of a cholera epidemic, Kitty refuses to accompany him. To force her hand, Walter threatens to expose her affair. But Kitty, sure in her lover's whispered promises, pushes for a divorce. Her impulsive decision will throw a stark light on the truth and her own desperate illusions, thrusting Kitty into unfamiliar territory—both in the world around her and the soul within . . . The inspiration for the film starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, " The Painted Veil with its sadness, its moral tension, its irony and compassion, its building evocations of lust and terror and remorse is a work of art" ( The Spectator). "Reveals many of Maugham's strengths: an understanding of women, meticulous craftsmanship and raw emotion." — Daily Mail "This short masterpiece tells of love, treachery, and a search for real substance in life." — DigBooks

Memoir: Somerset Maugham looks back at his life in literature. Of course, his life was far from over-he was to live a further twenty-seven years! Maugham has written "an account of himself, his chosen profession and its practitioners; and he has done so with a lucidity, a simplicity, a euphony, and a liveliness that should win the admiration and gratitude of all literate and discriminating readers." -Terence Holliday, Saturday Review, 26 March 1938

Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

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Filled with keen observations, autobiographical notes, and the seeds of many of Maugham's greatest works, A Writer's Notebook is a unique and exhilarating look into a great writer's mind at work. From nearly five decades, Somerset Maugham recorded an intimate journal. In it we see the budding of his incomparable vision and his remarkable career as a writer. Covering the years from his time as a youthful medical student in London to a seasoned world traveler around the world, it is playful, sharp witted, and always revealing. Undoubtedly one of his most significant works, A Writer's Notebook is a must for Maugham fans and anyone interested in the creative process.

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.