This is the first of three volumes of my collected short stories. In my early youth I wrote a number, but they are so immature that I have preferred not to reprint them. A few are in a book that has long remained out of print, a few others are scattered in various magazines. They are best forgotten. The first of the stories in this collection, Rain, was written in 1920 in Hong Kong, but I had hit upon the idea for it during a journey I took in the South Seas during the winter of 1916. The last of my stories was written in New York in 1945 from a brief note that I found by chance among my papers and which I made as far back as 1901. I do not expect ever to write another.

Of Human Bondage (1915) is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Inspired by his experiences as an orphan and young student, Maugham composed his masterpiece. Adapted several times for film, Of Human Bondage is a story of tragedy, perseverance, and the eternal search for happiness which drives us as much as it haunts our every move. Orphaned as a boy, Philip Carey is raised in an affectionless household by his aunt and uncle. Although his Aunt Louisa tries to make him feel welcome, William proves an uncaring, vindictive man. Left to fend for himself most days, Philip finds solace in the family’s substantial collection of books, which serve as an escape for the imaginative boy. Sent to study at a prestigious boarding school, Philip struggles to fit in with his peers, who abuse him for his intelligence and club foot. Despite his struggles, he perseveres in his studies and chooses his own path in life, moving to Heidelberg, Germany and denying his uncle’s wish that he attend Oxford. As he struggles to become a professional artist, Philip learns that one’s dreams are often unsubstantiated in the world of the living. Of Human Bondage is a tale of desire, disappointment, and romance by a master stylist with a keen sense of the complications inherent to human nature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of W. Somerset Maugham’s Of Human Bondage is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham is a treasure trove for literary enthusiasts, encompassing a collection of novels, short stories, plays, and travel sketches from the prolific author. Maugham's writing style is characterized by its beautiful simplicity and keen observation of human nature. His works often delve into complex themes such as love, morality, and the pursuit of happiness, making them timeless classics in the literary world. The elegant prose and rich character development in his stories highlight Maugham's mastery of storytelling. In this comprehensive collection, readers will find themselves immersed in a world of vivid imagery and thought-provoking narratives. William Somerset Maugham, a renowned British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a doctor and traveler, which is evident in the depth and authenticity of his work. His keen insight into the human psyche and ability to capture the nuances of human relationships have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. I highly recommend The Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham to anyone looking for a captivating and insightful literary experience that transcends time.

During World War I W. Somerset Maugham, already by then an established playwright and author, was recruited to be a British intelligence agent. These stories reflect his wartime experiences in intelligence gathering. Though fictionalized, they managed to retain enough authentic elements for Winston Churchill to advise Maugham that their publication might be a violation of the Official Secrets Act, resulting in the author burning an additional 14 stories. Set in various locales across the continent, these remaining Ashenden stories are a precursor to the jet-setting spy novels of the 1950s and 1960s. Maugham is known as a master short story writer and these stories are no exception, combining wit and realism to create memorable characters in a unique and highly critical portrait of wartime espionage. Initially released to a mixed reception—with an early review by D. H. Lawrence being especially scathing—Ashenden has since been credited as an inspiration for numerous authors, including John Le Carré, Graham Greene, and Raymond Chandler. The latter in particular was especially impressed, writing in 1950, “There are no other great spy stories—none at all. I have been searching and I know.” This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Up at the Villa" by W. Somerset Maugham. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

The Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham is a literary treasure trove, encompassing 33 works of diverse genres including novels, short stories, and plays. Maugham's writing style is characterized by its clarity, realism, and keen observation of human behavior, making his works both accessible and thought-provoking. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Maugham's stories touch on themes such as love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, offering insightful commentary on society and the human condition. His ability to craft compelling narratives with well-developed characters has solidified his reputation as a master storyteller in the literary world. William Somerset Maugham, a trained physician turned writer, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations to create memorable characters and vivid settings in his works. His background in medicine and his travels around the world provided him with a unique perspective that shines through in his writing, adding depth and authenticity to his narratives. The Collected Works of W. Somerset Maugham is a must-read for fans of classic literature, offering a comprehensive look at the work of a prolific and influential author whose stories continue to resonate with readers today.

William Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965) was a British 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. Table of Contents: Novels: Liza of Lambeth (1897) The Making of a Saint (1898) The Hero (1901) Mrs Craddock (1902) The Merry-go-round (1904) The Bishop's Apron (1906) The Explorer (1908) The Magician (1908) The Canadian (The Land of Promise) (1914) Of Human Bondage (1915) The Moon and Sixpence (1919) Short Story Collections: Orientations (1899) The Punctiliousness of Don Sebastian A Bad Example De Amicitia Faith The Choice of Amyntas Daisy The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands (1921) The Pacific Mackintosh The Fall of Edward Barnard Red The Pool Honolulu Rain Envoi Plays: A Man of Honour (1903) Lady Frederick (1912) The Explorer (1912) The Circle (1921) Caesar's Wife (1922) East of Suez (1922) Travel Sketches: The Land of the Blessed Virgin: Sketches and Impressions in Andalusia (1905) On a Chinese Screen (1922)