W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham Biography

William Somerset Maugham (January 25, 1874 – December 16, 1965) was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, acclaimed for his clear, unadorned prose and keen insights into human nature. Born in Paris, France, Maugham was the sixth and youngest child of British parents. Orphaned by the age of 10, he was sent to England to live with his uncle, the Vicar of Whitstable.

Maugham was educated at King's School, Canterbury, and later studied literature and philosophy at the University of Heidelberg. He then pursued medical studies at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, qualifying as a physician in 1897. His medical training provided him with a deep understanding of human conditions, which he adeptly incorporated into his literary works.

His first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), drew from his medical experiences in the London slums and garnered immediate success, prompting Maugham to abandon medicine for writing. Over his career, he authored numerous plays, novels, and short stories, including notable works like Of Human Bondage (1915), The Moon and Sixpence (1919), and The Razor's Edge (1944). By the 1930s, he was among the highest-paid authors in the English language.

Maugham's personal life was complex; he had relationships with both men and women. In 1917, he married Syrie Wellcome, with whom he had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Liza) Maugham. The marriage ended in divorce in 1929. Maugham spent his later years in the French Riviera, continuing to write and receiving visitors until his passing in 1965.

Trivia About W. Somerset Maugham

• Maugham was reportedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s.
• He served as a British intelligence agent during World War I.
• His novel The Moon and Sixpence was inspired by the life of artist Paul Gauguin.
• Maugham's stammer, developed after his parents' deaths, influenced his decision to pursue writing over a career in medicine.

Famous Quotes by W. Somerset Maugham

• "There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are."
• "To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life."
• "The great tragedy of life is not that men perish, but that they cease to love."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was W. Somerset Maugham?

W. Somerset Maugham was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, known for his clear writing style and deep understanding of human nature. He authored works like Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge.

What is 'Of Human Bondage' about?

Of Human Bondage is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot, as he navigates personal and professional challenges in his quest for meaning and love.

Did Maugham have any other professions besides writing?

Yes, Maugham trained and qualified as a physician but chose to pursue writing full-time after the success of his first novel. He also served as a British intelligence agent during World War I.

Related Literary Movements

Maugham's work is often associated with literary realism, focusing on the complexities of human nature and society. His clear prose and character-driven narratives align with the traditions of early 20th-century English literature.

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