Most Popular Books by W. Somerset

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.

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

“There is something bracing about the sincerity of [Maugham''s] style . . . a style that serves his general purpose of stripping life to the bone with a thin, sharp knife that lays open to view the normal flesh and the healthy flow of blood as well as the cancerous sore beneath.” —Leslie A. Marchand, The New York Times Edward Craddock is a thoroughly good man. He may lack his wife Bertha’s education, but he is unfailingly good-humored, handsome, placid, and popular. It is hardly surprising that Bertha adores him. But expending all one’s passion, all one’s spirit, on a man who is so undemonstrative, so unimaginative, can be very trying, as Bertha soon discovers. In this penetrating study of an unequal marriage, W. Somerset Maugham explores the nature of love and happiness and finds that the two rarely coincide. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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.

The Magician (1909) is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Controversial for its portrayal of infidelity and occult ritual, The Magician was instrumental in establishing Maugham''s reputation as a leading author of the late Victorian era. Inspired by stories of Aleister Crowley, an influential occultist and magician, Maugham crafted a masterpiece of fantasy fiction that would inspire Crowley himself to write a hit piece for Vanity Fair erroneously accusing the novelist of plagiarism. Arthur Burdon has everything he could ever want. A successful career as a surgeon, financial stability, a beautiful young fiancée--everything. On a trip to Paris to visit Margaret, who is studying to be an artist, he meets a man named Oliver Haddo, a magician and acquaintance of Burdon''s teacher Dr. Porhoët. Although Arthur, his fiancée, and their friends are initially impressed with Haddo''s magic tricks, things soon take a strange turn when Margaret elopes with the mysterious magician. Distraught, Arthur retreats from life to dedicate himself to his work at the hospital. When Oliver and Margaret show up at a party in London, however, Arthur becomes convinced that his ex-lover is being held against her will. The Magician is a sinister tale of desire, disappointment, and the occult by a master stylist with a keen sense of the complications inherent to human nature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of W. Somerset Maugham''s The Magician is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

What happens when a marriage built on shallow attraction crumbles under the weight of infidelity and exile? The Painted Veil follows Kitty Fane, a frivolous young woman whose affair leads to devastating consequences when her bacteriologist husband discovers her betrayal. Set against the backdrop of 1920s colonial Hong Kong during a deadly cholera epidemic, Maugham masterfully explores themes of moral awakening, spiritual transformation, and the complex nature of love and forgiveness. Walter Fane''s calculated revenge forces Kitty into the dangerous Chinese interior, where she must confront her superficial values. Through Kitty''s journey from vanity to self-awareness, the novel examines the painted illusions we create about ourselves and others. The epidemic-ravaged Chinese village becomes a crucible for personal growth, where both characters face their deepest truths about duty, sacrifice, and redemption. This timeless exploration of human nature and moral complexity resonates with readers seeking profound literary fiction that examines the transformation possible through adversity and the ultimate power of genuine understanding.

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 "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.

In "Up at the Villa," W. Somerset Maugham crafts a poignant tale set against the backdrop of 1920s Italy, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human morality. The novel''s narrative unfolds through the experiences of the protagonist, Mary Panton, a widow whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled with a dissolute young man. Maugham''s prose is elegant and incisive, blending psychological insight with keen observations of social norms, thus reflecting the moral ambiguities of a post-war society. The rich, atmospheric descriptions of the Tuscan landscape resonate with a sense of both beauty and decay, emblematic of the characters'' inner turmoil. W. Somerset Maugham, a prolific British writer known for his sharp wit and penetrating psychological insights, draws from his own experiences living abroad and observing human relationships. Having traveled extensively, Maugham imbued "Up at the Villa" with a deep understanding of expatriate life, social class distinctions, and the subtle intricacies of interpersonal dynamics. His rich background in theatre and storytelling allows him to create compelling, complex characters that confront their moral dilemmas in relatable ways. This novel is highly recommended for readers who appreciate nuanced character studies and vivid settings that challenge conventional notions of morality. Maugham''s exploration of desire and consequence invites readers to reflect on their own ethical boundaries, making "Up at the Villa" a timeless meditation on the human condition. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author''s life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Hardcover reprint of the original 1913 edition - beautifully bound in brown cloth covers featuring titles stamped in gold, 8vo - 6x9. No adjustments have been made to the original text, giving readers the full antiquarian experience. For quality purposes, all text and images are printed as black and white. This item is printed on demand. Book Information: Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset). Landed Gentry: A Comedy In Four Acts. Indiana: Repressed Publishing LLC, 2012. Original Publishing: Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset). Landed Gentry: A Comedy In Four Acts, . Chicago: Dramatic Pub. Co., 1913

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.