Autorentext

William Somerset Maugham (25 January 1874 - 16 December 1965) was an English writer, known for his plays, novels and short stories.Born in Paris, where he spent his first ten years, Maugham was schooled in England and went to a German university. He became a medical student in London and qualified as a physician in 1897. He never practiced medicine, and became a full-time writer.His first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), a study of life in the slums, attracted attention, but it was as a playwright that he first achieved national celebrity. Maugham's novels after Liza of Lambeth include Of Human Bondage (1915), The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925), Cakes and Ale (1930) and The Razor's Edge (1944). His short stories were published in collections such as The Casuarina Tree (1926) and The Mixture as Before (1940); many of them have been adapted for radio, cinema and television. His great popularity and prodigious sales provoked adverse reactions from highbrow critics, many of whom sought to belittle him as merely competent.

Klappentext

In "Of Human Bondage," William Somerset Maugham intricately weaves a bildungsroman that serves as an introspective exploration of the human condition, drawing on his personal experiences and struggles. Written in a clear, unadorned prose style, Maugham's narrative unfolds through the life of Philip Carey, a young man grappling with his ambitions, desires, and the inescapable constraints of fate and circumstance. The novel's literary context is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England, marked by a shift in societal norms and an interplay of existential philosophy, which Maugham navigates deftly to expose the myriad forms of human bondage--be it emotional, social, or psychological. Maugham, a celebrated author known for his keen observational prowess and depictions of complex characters, drew extensively from his own life experiences, including his early struggles with identity and artistic aspiration. His exposure to various cultures and his turbulent relationships fueled the narrative's depth, offering a profound reflection on love, suffering, and the quest for self-understanding. Maugham's background in the literary and theatrical worlds profoundly influenced his writing style, enriching the novel with nuanced emotional tension. This timeless classic is highly recommended for readers intrigued by themes of individuality, resilience, and the universal quest for meaning. Maugham's eloquent prose and psychological insight invite readers to reflect on their own bonds and limitations, making "Of Human Bondage" not only a compelling read but a vital exploration of life's profound complexities.