Of Human Bondage

Front Cover
DigiCat, Nov 13, 2022 - Fiction - 329 pages
In his seminal work "Of Human Bondage," William Somerset Maugham explores the complexities of human existence through the life of Philip Carey, an orphan grappling with his identity and aspirations in early 20th-century England. Maugham employs a semi-autobiographical narrative style enriched with psychological insight and vivid characterizations, juxtaposing Philip's struggles against the constraints of society, love, and artistic ambition. The novel's rich tapestry incorporates themes of desire, suffering, and the relentless quest for freedom, resonating with the philosophical ideas of existentialism and realism prevalent during Maugham's time, illuminating the human condition in striking clarity. William Somerset Maugham, born in 1874, led a fascinating life that informed his literary endeavors. His upbringing, marked by the death of his parents and subsequent education at medical school before turning to writing, imparted profound insights into the fragility of human relationships and the dichotomy of professional ambition versus personal fulfillment. Maugham's extensive travels and experiences as a playwright and novelist further enriched the authenticity and depth with which he crafted Philip's journey in "Of Human Bondage." This novel is an unparalleled exploration of self-realization and emotional complexity. Readers will find Maugham's dissection of the human psyche profound and relatable, making it a quintessential read for anyone interested in the dynamics of love, art, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Highly recommended for both casual readers and literary scholars alike, "Of Human Bondage" remains a timeless exploration of the bonds that tether us and the courage required to break them.
 

Selected pages

Contents

LXII
LXIII
LXIV
LXV
LXVI
LXVII
LXVIII
LXIX

IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
XXI
XXII
XXIII
XXIV
XXV
XXVI
XXVII
XXVIII
XXIX
XXX
XXXI
XXXII
XXXIII
XXXIV
XXXV
XXXVI
XXXVII
XXXVIII
XXXIX
XL
XLI
XLII
XLIII
XLIV
XLV
XLVI
XLVII
XLVIII
XLIX
L
LI
LII
LIII
LIV
LV
LVI
LVII
LVIII
LIX
LX
LXI
LXX
LXXI
LXXII
LXXIII
LXXIV
LXXV
LXXVI
LXXVII
LXXVIII
LXXIX
LXXX
LXXXI
LXXXII
LXXXIII
LXXXIV
LXXXV
LXXXVI
LXXXVII
LXXXVIII
LXXXIX
XC
XCI
XCII
XCIII
XCIV
XCV
XCVI
XCVII
XCVIII
XCIX
C
CI
CII
CIII
CIV
CV
CVI
CVII
CVIII
CIX
CX
CXI
CXII
CXIII
CXIV
CXV
CXVI
CXVII
CXVIII
CXIX
CXX
CXXI
CXXII

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2022)

William Somerset Maugham, born on January 25, 1874, in the British Embassy in Paris, remains one of the most renowned playwrights, novelists, and short story writers of the 20th century English literature. His upbringing was marked by tragedy, with the loss of both his parents before he turned ten, leading him to be raised by an uncle. Despite a stutter that hindered his social interactions, Maugham found his voice through writing. Graduating with a medical degree from St. Thomas's Hospital in London, Maugham's experiences as a doctor deeply informed his humanistic and empathetic literary style. However, his true calling lay in the literary world, and after the success of his first novel 'Liza of Lambeth' in 1897, he devoted himself entirely to writing. Maugham's magnum opus 'Of Human Bondage' (1915), an autobiographical novel, is a tale of self-discovery, exploring the complexities of love and art. This work, semi-autobiographical in nature, embodies Maugham's narrative skill and philosophical introspection, solidifying his reputation as a writer of profound psychological insight. His clear-cut prose and cosmopolitan themes garnered a vast readership, making Maugham, at one point, the highest-paid author in the world. Despite his commercial success, critical regard has waxed and waned, with Maugham himself declaring his standing as 'in the very first row of the second-raters.' Maugham's literary output was prolific, marked by works such as 'The Moon and Sixpence' and the popular play 'The Letter.' He died in Nice, France, on December 16, 1965, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and provoke.

Bibliographic information