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Showing books by W. Somerset Maugham
This well-preserved edition is near fine, with no marks; the pages are tight and appear unread, and the book is tight, square, and unmarked. It features a full grey cloth binding, a gilt ornament on the top cover, and dense gilt lines and text on the spine, along with green pastedown and free endpapers. The Complete Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham: Volume 2, published by Doubleday, is the second volume in the three-part U.S. edition of Maugham’s collected short fiction. Like Volume 1, it showcases Maugham’s mastery of the short story form, though with a shift in setting and tone. Originally part of Altogether: The Collected Stories of W. Somerset Maugham (published by Heinemann), this volume includes Maugham's The World Over stories. These stories are generally set in England and Europe, and Volume 2 is often praised for featuring some of Maugham’s most polished and subtle work.
This beautifully bound edition is in near fine condition. The pages are crisp and appear unread, and the binding remains firm throughout. It features an elegant full grey cloth binding, richly adorned with dense gilt lines and lettering on the spine, and a striking gilt ornament on the front cover—Maugham’s personal symbol and literary monogram, a distinctive mark used across many of his works. The presence of this emblem on the cover serves as the author’s personal stamp of authenticity, much like a craftsman’s mark, and has become a recognizable hallmark of his collected editions and enduring literary legacy. The Complete Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham: Volume 1, published by Doubleday, gathers many of the stories that cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. Originally titled Altogether: The Collected Stories of W. Somerset Maugham in the UK, this volume focuses on tales set in the Far East, drawn from Maugham’s extensive travels and his experiences as a British intelligence agent. His acute observations of human nature, combined with his gift for character and setting, imbue these stories with a lasting vitality that continues to captivate readers today.
This well-preserved softcover edition is in good condition. The pages are tight, unmarked, and the book is tight and firm. The Razor’s Edge (1944) by W. Somerset Maugham is a philosophical novel that explores themes of spirituality, materialism, and the search for meaning in life. It follows the journey of Larry Darrell, a World War I veteran who rejects conventional success in pursuit of enlightenment. The story is narrated by Maugham himself, who appears as a character in the novel. One of Maugham’s most personal and philosophical works, the novel draws from his own experiences and interest in Eastern philosophy. It has been adapted into films, including a 1984 version starring Bill Murray in a rare dramatic role.