W. Somerset Maugham, British playwright, novelist, and short story writer (d. 1965)

William Somerset Maugham (often pronounced MAWM; born 25 January 1874, died 16 December 1965) was an eminent English literary figure, celebrated for his versatile contributions as a playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. His remarkable talent and prolific output cemented his status as one of the most widely read and popular authors of his era. Notably, he was reputed to be the highest-paid writer globally during the 1930s, a testament to his immense commercial success and widespread appeal across various literary forms.

Early Life, Adversity, and an Unconventional Path

Maugham's formative years were marked by profound loss and a challenging upbringing. Orphaned before the age of 10, following the deaths of both his parents, he was sent to live in Whitstable, Kent, under the guardianship of his paternal uncle, Henry Maugham, who was the Vicar of Whitstable. This period was characterized by an emotionally cold environment that profoundly influenced his later observations of human nature and interpersonal relationships, themes often explored in his literary works.

Despite his family's established tradition in law, Maugham resisted the conventional path expected of him. Rather than pursuing a legal career, he embarked on medical training at St Thomas' Hospital Medical School in London, where he qualified as a physician. This period, from 1892 to 1897, provided him with invaluable insights into the human condition, exposing him to diverse aspects of life and suffering, which would later enrich his literary narratives with a keen, often detached, psychological realism.

Literary Breakthrough and Masterpiece

Maugham's literary journey began while he was still practicing medicine. His debut novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), a poignant work of social realism depicting the harsh realities of working-class life in London's Lambeth slums, achieved immediate and unexpected success, selling out its initial print run within weeks. This rapid commercial triumph provided Maugham with the financial independence and confidence to abandon his medical career entirely and dedicate himself to writing full-time. This pivotal decision allowed him to fully commit to the craft that would define his life.

Years later, in 1915, Maugham published Of Human Bondage, a semi-autobiographical novel widely regarded as his undisputed masterpiece. This extensive bildungsroman explores the arduous emotional and intellectual journey of its protagonist, Philip Carey, through themes of self-discovery, disillusionment, and the search for meaning, drawing heavily on Maugham's own experiences, including his childhood, medical studies, and early romantic entanglements. Its psychological depth and scope cemented his reputation as a serious literary artist.

Wartime Service and Covert Operations

The First World War saw Maugham contributing to the war effort in various capacities. Initially, he volunteered with the Red Cross and served in the ambulance corps, experiencing firsthand the grim realities of conflict and human suffering on the Western Front. His linguistic skills and keen observational abilities, however, made him a valuable asset for intelligence work. In 1916, he was recruited into the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), often referred to as MI6.

His clandestine missions took him to key strategic locations. He worked for the SIS in Switzerland, a neutral country that served as a hub for espionage activities, and subsequently in Russia. His mission in Russia, notably, was to counter German propaganda and bolster the Provisional Government in an effort to prevent Russia's withdrawal from the Allied war effort, a critical objective before the Bolsheviks seized power during the October Revolution of 1917. These experiences later provided the rich backdrop for his collection of espionage short stories, Ashenden: Or the British Agent (1928), which significantly influenced the spy fiction genre.

Extensive Travels and Global Literary Influence

Maugham's post-war life was characterized by extensive and impactful travels that deeply influenced his literary output. During and after the First World War, he embarked on prolonged journeys throughout India, Southeast Asia (including British Malaya, French Indochina, and the Dutch East Indies), and the Pacific Islands. These immersive experiences exposed him to diverse cultures, philosophies, and human behaviors, which he meticulously documented in his travel notebooks.

These travels became a rich wellspring for his later works. He skillfully wove the landscapes, customs, and complex characters he encountered into his acclaimed short stories and novels, often exploring themes of cultural clash, moral dilemmas, and the intricacies of human desire in exotic settings. Notable examples include the novels The Moon and Sixpence (1919), inspired by the life of Paul Gauguin and set partly in Tahiti; The Painted Veil (1925), set in China; and the short stories in collections like The Trembling of a Leaf (1921), which includes the famous "Rain," set in the Pacific. His ability to capture the essence of these diverse locales and their inhabitants contributed significantly to his unique voice and enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About W. Somerset Maugham

Who was W. Somerset Maugham?

W. Somerset Maugham was a highly acclaimed English playwright, novelist, and short-story writer, known for his keen observations of human nature and his lucid, often cynical, prose style. He was one of the most popular and commercially successful authors of the 20th century, particularly prominent in the 1930s.

Why was W. Somerset Maugham famous?

Maugham gained fame for his engaging narratives, psychological depth, and ability to craft compelling characters across various genres. His popularity stemmed from his accessible writing style, his insightful explorations of moral and social themes, and his prolific output, which included enduring works like Of Human Bondage and numerous acclaimed plays and short stories.

What is W. Somerset Maugham's most famous work?

While he produced many notable works, Of Human Bondage (1915) is widely considered his magnum opus and most famous novel. It is a semi-autobiographical bildungsroman that chronicles the challenging coming-of-age journey of its protagonist, Philip Carey.

Did W. Somerset Maugham have another profession before writing?

Yes, before becoming a full-time writer, W. Somerset Maugham trained and qualified as a physician at St Thomas' Hospital Medical School in London. He practiced medicine briefly, an experience that greatly influenced his understanding of human behavior and provided rich material for his literary works.

How did Maugham's travels influence his writing?

Maugham's extensive travels through India, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific profoundly shaped his later short stories and novels. These experiences provided him with exotic settings, diverse characters, and unique cultural contexts, which he expertly integrated into his narratives to explore themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the complexities of human morality in unfamiliar environments. Many of his most celebrated short stories are set in these regions.

Was W. Somerset Maugham involved in espionage during WWI?

Yes, during the First World War, W. Somerset Maugham served with the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). He undertook missions in Switzerland and Russia, with his experiences directly inspiring his pioneering collection of spy short stories, Ashenden: Or the British Agent.