The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham: A Biography
Couldn't load pickup availability
About this book
He was a brilliant teller of tales one of the most widely read authors of the twentieth century and at one time the most famous writer in the world yet W. Somerset Maughams own true story has never been fully told. At last the truth is revealed in a landmark biography by the award-winning writer Selina Hastings. Granted unprecedented access to Maughams personal correspondence and to newly uncovered interviews with his only child Hastings portrays the secret loves betrayals integrity and passion that inspired Maugham to create such classics as The Razors Edge and Of Human Bondage. Portrayed in full for the first time is Maughams disastrous marriage to Syrie Wellcome a manipulative society woman who trapped Maugham with a pregnancy and an attempted suicide. Hastings also explores Maughams many affairs with men including his great love Gerald Haxton an alcoholic charmer. Maughams work in secret intelligence during two world wars is described in fascinating detailexperiences that provided the inspiration for the groundbreaking Ashenden stories. From the West End to Broadway from China to the South Pacific Maughams remarkably productive life is thrillingly recounted as Hastings uncovers the real stories behind such classics as Rain The Painted Veil Cakes & Ale and other well-known tales.
