Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 1 (Unabridged)
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was born at the height of British Imperial power. When he died, the British Empire was all but a memory. In Maugham's lifetime, as his civilization slowly disappeared, people from all walks of life - the proud, the urbane, the crude, the desperate - passed beneath the lens of his dispassionate scrutiny. They re-emerged in his short stories as some of the most unforgettable literary characters of the 20th century. No other writer possessed his keen ability of observation. It was an ability so well honed that his work makes you feel as if you have been drawn into an intimate conversation with the century's most arresting and sophisticated personality.
Included in this collection are:
"The Outstation"
"Appearance and Reality"
"The Three Fat Women of Antibes"
"Mr. Know-All"
"French Joe"
"Masterson"
Customer Reviews
Maughm's Brillance Amply Reflected
Well produced. Entertaining. True to the brilliance of Maughm.
In contrast to what another reviewer wrote I disagree to their charge of antisemitism. A ridiculous inference that detracts unfairly from this superior work of english literature.
The audio production does justice to the writing. It is languid and understated, in keeping with Maughm's short stories.
Maughm's short stories reflect pre-WWII Britain: the end of a colonial past.
These stories are subtle insights into human frailties. They are not action oriented. They are written so the reader absorbs a scene rather than is soaked by it.
Maughm rewards the patient reader, or in this case listener.
Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham
I thought all the stories were fascinating and exceedingly well written with complex characterizations. Again I note that one of the stories focuses heavily on antisemitic themes, the second I've noted in the series of short story tapes by Audio Connoisseur. I'm wondering whether these have been deliberately collected. One rarely reads pieces with such blatant antisemitic slant in other producer's works.
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