W. Somerset Maugham

Date of Birth: January 25, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: December 16, 1965

Biography

William Somerset Maugham, better known as W. Somerset Maugham, was a British playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. Born on January 25, 1874, in the British Embassy in Paris, France, Maugham became one of the most popular and highest-paid authors of his era. He was the sixth and youngest son of Robert Ormond Maugham, a solicitor to the British Embassy, and Edith Mary née Snell. Orphaned at the age of 10, Maugham was sent to live with his uncle in England and later attended King’s School in Canterbury. Maugham initially studied medicine, earning his degree from St Thomas’s Hospital Medical School in London. His experiences as a medical student and intern inspired his first novel, “Liza of Lambeth” (1897). The success of this book led him to pursue writing full-time. Maugham’s works are characterized by their clear style, keen observation of human nature, and often cynical view of the world. His notable works include “Of Human Bondage” (1915), “The Razor’s Edge” (1944), “The Moon and Sixpence” (1919), and the play “The Constant Wife” (1926). Maugham’s literary career spanned over six decades, and he traveled extensively throughout his life. Despite struggles with his sexuality and public persona, he maintained a prolific output until his death. Maugham spent his later years in the French Riviera, where he lived in his villa, La Mauresque, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

5 Interesting Facts about W. Somerset Maugham

1. Maugham served as a British spy during World War I, using his travels as cover for his espionage activities.

2. He was openly bisexual, having relationships with both men and women, despite the societal norms of his time.

3. Maugham was knighted in 1947, receiving the Companion of Honour for his contributions to literature.

4. He was one of the first authors to achieve true celebrity status, with his works being adapted into numerous films and plays.

5. Despite his success, Maugham struggled with self-doubt and often harshly criticized his own work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from W. Somerset Maugham

1. “It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”

2. “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

3. “The great tragedy of life is not that men perish, but that they cease to love.”

4. “To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”

5. “Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve the continuation of the species.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, W. Somerset Maugham’s net worth was estimated to be around $12 million, a significant sum for that era.

Children

W. Somerset Maugham had one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Maugham, born in 1915 to his wife, Syrie Wellcome. Mary, often referred to as Liza, later became a successful novelist and an influential figure in her own right.