About this ebook
The following book is a collection of short stories by W. Somerset Maugham, an English writer who was among the most popular writers of his era, and reputedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s. Many of his stories have been adapted into movies in the 21st century, such as The Painted Veil and Bring Julia. For this work, six titles are included, from stories of revenge (The Punctiliousness of Don Sebastian) to fairytale-inspired ones (The Choice of Amyntas).
About the author
William Somerset Maugham, born in 1874 in the British Embassy in Paris, was a renowned British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, one of the most popular and highest-paid authors during the 1930s. Before earning a reputation as a writer, Maugham studied medicine at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. His early experiences as a doctor in the slums would later influence much of his storytelling, imbuing his literary work with a sense of realism and empathy towards the human condition. His career as an author spanned several decades with a prolific output that crossed numerous genres. His novel 'Orientations', published in 1899, was Maugham's first collection of short stories, indicative of his early explorations in literature, still developing the nuanced character studies that he'd become famous for. His narrative style, often clear-eyed and unsentimental, provided a counterpoint to the high drama of contemporaries. Perhaps his most celebrated works include 'Of Human Bondage' (1915), a semi-autobiographical novel, which charts the life and loves of Philip Carey, and 'The Razor's Edge' (1944), a post-World War I tale that follows the spiritual awakening of an American aviator. Acknowledged as a master of the short story, his 'Collected Short Stories' are considered amongst the finest in English literature for their exploration of the complexities and dualities of human nature. Maugham's impact on English literature is profound, with a flair for incisive sketches of the disenchantment of modern life. He passed away in 1965 in Nice, France, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to fascinate readers worldwide.
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