検索キーワード： 著者 "W. Somerset Maugham" すべてのカテゴリー

A collection of the BBC’s dramatisations and readings of W. Somerset Maugham’s fiction, with star casts including Alex Jennings, Dirk Bogarde, and Janet Maw. 

This classic collection includes seven life-changing stories with ironic twists of fate, which can inform the young about their choices in life and recall the choices older people have made between success and happiness, duty and pleasure, and much more. Includes a short, final summing-up chapter, envoi.

In this tragic-comedic play, history repeats itself in marital break-ups and proposals as exes, in-laws, and offspring spend a few days at a country manor.

With the South Seas as a background for such stories as "The Pacific", "Mackintosh", "The Fall of Edward Barnard", "Red", "Rain", and "The Pool", we experience scenes of passionate love, tragedy, and violence - all described in Maugham's beautiful prose.

Set in the time of the infamous Spanish Inquisition, Catalina is a novel both richly historical and affectingly human. Two eminent persons, natives of the city, were arriving after an absence of many years, and great doings had been arranged in their honor. In the Lady Chapel of the church a crippled girl prayed to the Blessed Virgin whose day it was, too. No greater things were planned for the girl, Catalina, but greater things awaited her.

In Rain, we delve into the gripping tale of a missionary whose moral compass unravels as he attempts to convert Sadie Thompson, a captivating prostitute from a Pacific island. This poignant narrative explores themes of faith, temptation, and the complexities of human nature. (Introduction by an excerpt from Wikipedia)

I thought it was you I saw coming up the hill,” she said, extending her hand. He paused, shaking it gently; the warmth of his strong fingers sent a shiver through her. His grip was powerful, as if carved from solid stone. Looking up at him, she smiled, “Isn’t it cold?” The tension of unspoken desires filled the air, as they both yearned to express their feelings, yet were bound by the constraints of convention to utter only the most ordinary of words. (Excerpts from chapter 1.)

Liza of Lambeth delves into the struggles of an 18-year-old factory girl navigating the harsh realities of slum life in 1890s London. The story revolves around Lizas romantic entanglements and the profound consequences they bring. Drawing inspiration from W. Somerset Maughams own experiences as a trainee doctor during this era, the novel offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by the working class. This debut work marked the beginning of Maughams journey as a novelist, steering him away from medicine and into the world of literature. - Summary by Hatton43

Immerse yourself in this timeless classic by W. Somerset Maugham, set against the backdrop of England, Hong Kong, and a cholera-stricken village in 1920s China. The story follows the principled Dr. Fane, a dedicated epidemiologist, who falls for the beautiful yet shallow Kitty Garstin. She agrees to marry him, driven more by rivalry with her sister than true love. However, when she embarks on an affair with a British official in Hong Kong, Dr. Fane makes a drastic decision to take her to a remote Chinese village ravaged by cholera, threatening to expose her infidelity if she refuses. What ...

In this early novel by W. Somerset Maugham, the intricate dance between self-integrity, familial devotion, and romantic entanglements unfolds. Lucy Allerton and Alec MacKenzie find themselves at a crossroads, torn between the pursuit of happiness that feels rightfully theirs and the moral values that shape their identities. Join us as we explore their emotional journey, narrated beautifully by Lilith Branda.

James Parsons returns to Little Primpton after his service in the Boer War, hailed as a local hero for earning the Victoria Cross by courageously saving a fellow soldier. Yet for Jamie, the homecoming is bittersweet; his experiences have profoundly altered his perspective, leaving him struggling to reconcile his newfound beliefs with the expectations of his family and community. Maugham skillfully captures Jamies internal conflict and the societal pressures that challenge his quest for individual freedom. - Summary by OCTL7

In the heart of British Malaysia, the wife of a plantation manager finds herself embroiled in a shocking incident when she shoots a man she knows while her husband is away. Claiming self-defense against an attempted rape, her straightforward case takes a dark turn when her lawyer learns that a blackmailer holds evidence that could unravel her story. Faced with the dilemma of whether to confront the implications of the titular letter or pay for its silence, the defendant and her attorney navigate a web of deception and moral ambiguity. Premiering on February 24, 1927, at Londons Playhouse ...

Dive into the delightful world of Lady Frederick, a charming comedy crafted by British playwright W. Somerset Maugham during his early years. Premiering in London in 1907, this witty play enjoyed immense success, captivating audiences with 422 performances. Ethel Irving took on the title role, while Ethel Barrymore brought Lady Frederick to life in New York in 1908, later reprising her performance in the film adaptation, The Divorcee. The story follows Lady Frederick, an Irish widow grappling with significant debt, as she navigates the intentions of various suitors and confronts a former lover...

Ten vintage dramas on the theme of murder, written by internationally recognised authors and set across the globe ‘Murder is murder, anywhere in the world. The taking of life, the most terrible crime a human being can commit, is the same in any language, whether it springs from vengeance...

A celebrated writer by the time the war broke out in 1914, Maugham had the perfect cover for living in Switzerland. Multilingual and knowledgeable about many European countries, he was dispatched by the Secret Service to Lucerne - under the guise of completing a play. An assignment whose danger and drama appealed both to his sense of romance and of the ridiculous. Ashenden is a collection of stories rooted in Maugham's own experiences as an agent, reflecting the ruthlessness and brutality of espionage, its intrigue and treachery, as well as its absurdity.

Dive into this riveting social satire that explores the ambitions of Theodore Spratte, a cleric who will go to any lengths to become a bishop. His journey includes embellishing his family history and meddling in his childrens love lives. Maugham paints a vivid picture of Spratte as more than just mediocre and pompous; hes also ambitious, hypocritical, and vain. This engaging novel, praised in 1906 for its blend of cynical gaiety and broad farcical comedy, continues to be a timeless representation of ambition and vanity. -- Lee Smalley

Timeless W. Somerset Maugham Stories features a curated collection of his most thought-provoking narratives, offering an unforgettable journey through his masterful prose and character-driven storytelling.

The W. Somerset Maugham Works Collection compiles his complete literary works, offering a deep exploration of his timeless storytelling and insightful reflections on life.

Immerse yourself in the captivating storytelling of W. Somerset Maugham Audiobooks, a collection of compelling tales exploring human nature, ambition, and fate. These timeless works blend wit, drama, and deep psychological insight.

The W. Somerset Maugham Classics Podcast presents a beautifully narrated selection of his finest works, showcasing his keen observations on human behavior and the complexities of life.