W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was a British novelist, short story writer, and playwright, widely known for his clear prose, psychological depth, and cosmopolitan themes. Born in Paris and educated in England, he initially trained as a doctor before turning to writing full-time after the success of his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897).
Over a prolific career spanning more than sixty years, Maugham authored numerous acclaimed works, including Of Human Bondage (1915), The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925), Cakes and Ale (1930), and The Razor’s Edge (1944). He also gained prominence as a playwright and later as a master of the short story form, drawing upon his extensive travels and experiences—particularly in Asia, Europe, and during his service as a British intelligence agent in World War I.
Maugham spent his later years at his villa on the French Riviera, where he continued to write and reflect on literature, society, and the art of storytelling. His works remain widely read for their narrative elegance, insight into human behaviour, and enduring literary appeal.
