Ready Reference Treatise: The Painted Veil

“The Painted Veil” by W. Somerset Maugham was first published in 1925. The title of the novel has been taken from “Lift not the painted veil which those who live/call life,” a poem composed by P. B. Shelley.

It is often said that the author was inspired by his study of science and his work as a houseman at ST. Thomas’ Hospital.

Before being published in the form of a novel, “The Painted Veil” was published in serialized form in five issues of Cosmopolitan, between November 1924 and March 1925. After that in the month of May in 1925, it was again serialized in England in Nash’s magazine in eight parts.

Ready Reference Treatise: The Painted Veil
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Major Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Chapter Five: Thematic Analysis