W. Somerset Maugham

The classic spy story collection that inspired John Le Carr , Graham Greene, Ian Fleming, Len Deighton and other 20th Century masters of the spy thriller, & caused a national security scandal in Churchill's Britain. It did not take them long to settle things and when Ashenden rose to go he had already made careful note of his instructions. He was to start for Geneva next day. The last words that R. said to him, with a casualness that made them impressive, were: "There's just one thing I think you ought to know before you take on this job. And don't forget it. If you do well you'll get no thanks and if you get into trouble you'll get no help. Does that suit you?""Perfectly.""Then I'll wish you good afternoon." These sixteen interconnected stories chronicle the adventures of Ashenden-upstanding citizen, writer, and spy-as he moves across WWI-riddled Europe on behalf of His Majesty's Secret Service, featuring murder, intrigue, deceptions, & the soul-crushing, often-anonymous reality of modern spycraft.

William Somerset Maugham CH (1874 -1965) was an English playwright, novelist, and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s. Both Maugham's parents died before he was 10, and the orphaned boy was raised by a paternal uncle who was emotionally cold. He did not want to become a lawyer like other men in his family, so he trained and qualified as a physician. His first novel Liza of Lambeth (1897) sold out so rapidly that Maugham gave up medicine to write full-time.

Maugham's 1915 masterpiece--hailed by Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time--is the coming-of-age story of a sensitive young man consumed by an unrequited passion. With a new introduction by Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone. Born with a clubfoot, Philip is orphaned as a child and raised by unsympathetic relatives. Sent to a boarding school where he has difficulty fitting in, he grows up with an intense longing for love, art, and experience. After failing to become an artist in Paris, he begins medical studies in London, where he meets Mildred, a cold-hearted waitress with whom he falls into a powerful, tortured, life-altering love affair. The most autobiographical of Maugham's works, Of Human Bondage is a brilliant and deeply moving portrayal of the price of passion and the universal desire for connection.

The Painted Veil delves into the life and moral evolution of Kitty Garstin, a shallow and privileged woman who marries the introverted bacteriologist Walter Fane. When Kitty's affair with the charming Charlie Townsend is uncovered, Walter gives her an ultimatum: face a public divorce or accompany him to a remote Chinese village plagued by cholera. The choice leads Kitty on a transformative journey as she confronts her own failings and seeks redemption. Set against a backdrop of colonial tensions and personal turmoil, the novel explores themes of betrayal, the complexities of love, and the possibilities of forgiveness and personal growth. The Painted Veil, which intricately weaves personal transformation against a backdrop of colonial ethics and medical challenges, reflects Maugham's background in medicine and his acute observations of human behavior. The book offers a critique of colonial life and moral dilemmas, marking it as a significant piece in the study of early 20th-century British literature. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

The classic spy story collection that inspired John Le Carr , Graham Greene, Ian Fleming, Len Deighton and other 20th Century masters of the spy thriller, & caused a national security scandal in Churchill's Britain. It did not take them long to settle things and when Ashenden rose to go he had already made careful note of his instructions. He was to start for Geneva next day. The last words that R. said to him, with a casualness that made them impressive, were: "There's just one thing I think you ought to know before you take on this job. And don't forget it. If you do well you'll get no thanks and if you get into trouble you'll get no help. Does that suit you?""Perfectly.""Then I'll wish you good afternoon." These sixteen interconnected stories chronicle the adventures of Ashenden-upstanding citizen, writer, and spy-as he moves across WWI-riddled Europe on behalf of His Majesty's Secret Service, featuring murder, intrigue, deceptions, & the soul-crushing, often-anonymous reality of modern spycraft.

The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts, a classical book, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands, a classical book, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

"The Hero" by W. Somerset Maugham is a compelling fiction novel that serves as a profound character study set in post-war Britain. Maugham's narrative delves into the complexities of heroism, exploring the psychological depths of a military man grappling with the moral implications of his actions. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, the titular hero, whose experiences during the war have left an indelible mark on his psyche. Through Maugham's meticulous portrayal, readers are drawn into the inner turmoil of the protagonist as he navigates the challenges of post-war society and confronts the moral dilemmas of sacrifice and redemption. Maugham skillfully examines the societal expectations placed upon heroes and the strains of conformity they endure in the face of moral ambiguity. Against the backdrop of a changing British landscape, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, shedding light on the complexities of war, heroism, and the search for meaning in a post-war world. "The Hero" stands as a testament to Maugham's mastery of character-driven storytelling, offering readers a poignant and introspective journey through the complexities of the human psyche in a post-war era.

"Liza of Lambeth" by W. Somerset Maugham is a captivating novel set in the bustling streets of working-class London, offering a realistic portrayal of urban life. Maugham's masterful storytelling delves deep into the intricacies of human nature amidst the harsh realities of poverty and social dynamics. At the heart of the narrative lies Liza, a young woman navigating the complexities of her environment with remarkable character development. Through her eyes, readers witness the drama and challenges faced by the residents of Lambeth, providing a poignant insight into the struggles of the working class. Maugham's keen observation and attention to detail bring forth the rich tapestry of relationships that define the community, portraying a vivid depiction of urban life in early 20th-century Britain. The novel's realism resonates with readers, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the societal forces at play. As a quintessential work of British literature, "Liza of Lambeth" stands as a testament to Maugham's talent for capturing the essence of everyday life with both depth and authenticity. It remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its compelling portrayal of the urban experience.

"The Magician" by W. Somerset Maugham is a gripping British novel that delves into the realms of the occult and psychological exploration. Within its pages, Maugham weaves a dark and mysterious tale, blending elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological thriller. Set against the backdrop of gothic landscapes, the novel follows the story of a charismatic but enigmatic magician and the psychological manipulation he employs. As readers delve deeper into the narrative, they are drawn into a world of illusion and power struggles, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. Maugham's masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricate web of intrigue and manipulation. Through the lens of the occult and psychological exploration, Maugham explores themes of power, darkness, and the human psyche. The novel's suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plot make it a captivating read for fans of British literature and psychological fiction. In summary, "The Magician" stands as a testament to Maugham's skill as a writer, showcasing his ability to create a compelling narrative that captivates and intrigues until the very end.

The incidents described in the stories are modeled on Maugham's experiences as a secret agent, and "the central character, Ashenden, is very much an autobiographical character." He is supposed to have modeled Chandra Lal after Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, an Indian nationalist in Germany during the war. Maugham, who was in the British Secret Service in Europe during the war, based many of his stories on his own experiences. Among other enterprises, Britain's European intelligence network attempted to eliminate several Indian nationalists in Europe, notably members of the Berlin Committee. Donald Gullick, a British agent, was dispatched to assassinate Chattopadhyaya. At the same time, the latter was on his way to Geneva to meet another Indian nationalist, Mahendra Pratap, and forward the Kaiser's invitation to Berlin. The short story of Giulia Lazzari is a blend of Gullick's attempts to assassinate Chattopadhyaya and Mata Hari's story. Winston Churchill reportedly advised Maugham to burn 14 other stories. The 1936 Alfred Hitchcock-directed film Secret Agent is a loose adaptation of "The Traitor" and "The Hairless Mexican," with John Gielgud as Ashenden (whose "real" name is Edgar Brodie) and Peter Lorre as The General.

Mrs. Craddock, a classical book, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

Mrs. Dot: A Farce, a classical book, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

Ce livre classique a t initialement publi il y a plusieurs d cennies sous le titre ""Mrs. Dot A Farce"". Il a maintenant t traduit par Writat en langue fran aise pour ses lecteurs francophones. Chez Writat, nous sommes passionn s par la pr servation du patrimoine litt raire du pass . Nous avons traduit ce livre en fran ais afin que les g n rations pr sentes et futures puissent le lire et le pr server.