W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a British writer, one of the most popular and highest-paid authors of his era, celebrated for his clear, elegant prose and his shrewd, unsentimental understanding of human nature. He excelled as a novelist, short-story writer, and playwright.
His major works include Of Human Bondage, a searching semi-autobiographical novel of a young man's painful coming of age, and The Moon and Sixpence, inspired by the life of the painter Gauguin, about a man who abandons everything for art. He was also a master of the short story, drawing on his wide travels. His earlier works are in the public domain.
Maugham led an adventurous life — a trained doctor, a wartime intelligence agent, and a tireless traveller — all of which fed his worldly, perceptive fiction.
His prose is famously clear and readable. Our editions present these works cleanly. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
W. Somerset Maugham in the library · 2 works
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The Moon and Sixpence
Audiobooks by W. Somerset Maugham
Every W. Somerset Maugham title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 2 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about W. Somerset Maugham
What did Somerset Maugham write?
Maugham wrote novels, short stories, and plays. His most famous novels are Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, The Razor's Edge, and Cakes and Ale. He was also a celebrated short-story writer and a highly successful playwright. Of Human Bondage and The Moon and Sixpence are among his best-known works.
What is Of Human Bondage about?
It is a semi-autobiographical novel following Philip Carey, a sensitive, club-footed young man, from a lonely childhood through his search for meaning in art, medicine, and a destructive love affair. A searching portrait of youth, obsession, and the struggle to find one's own path, it is widely regarded as Maugham's masterpiece. Its emotional honesty has made it a lasting classic.
Which Maugham works are available here?
The library offers his earlier works that are in the public domain, such as Of Human Bondage and The Moon and Sixpence. Some of his later books remain under copyright and are not included. We're clear about which titles are part of the collection.
Where should I start with Maugham?
Among the public-domain works offered here, The Moon and Sixpence is a great, compelling starting point — shorter and gripping. Of Human Bondage is his masterpiece but is long, so many readers begin with the shorter novel or his acclaimed short stories. His clear style makes all of them very readable.
Why is Maugham praised for his prose?
Maugham deliberately wrote in a plain, lucid, unadorned style, prizing clarity and readability over ornament, which makes his work exceptionally accessible and enduringly popular. He was a shrewd, worldly observer of human weakness and desire, and his storytelling is direct and absorbing. Many writers admire his craftsmanship precisely for its clarity.
When did Somerset Maugham live?
Maugham lived from 1874 to 1965. He trained as a doctor and worked in intelligence during the First World War before becoming one of the most popular writers of the 20th century. The works offered here date from the earlier part of his long career.
Where can I read Maugham for free?
Maugham's earlier works, such as Of Human Bondage and The Moon and Sixpence, are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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