The Greatest Plays of W. Somerset Maugham (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Lady Frederick, The Explorer, The Circle, Caesar's Wife, Penelope, Mrs. Dot, East of Suez…By William Somerset Maugham
Length31h 7m
About this audiobook
The Greatest Plays of W. Somerset Maugham gathers the dramatic works through which Maugham established himself as one of the most dexterous theatrical craftsmen of the Edwardian and interwar stage. Marked by elegant construction, lucid dialogue, ironic reversals, and a keen sense of social performance, these plays anatomize marriage, reputation, class manners, and moral compromise. Situated between the well-made play tradition and the sharper modern comedy of manners, they reveal Maugham's gift for turning drawing-room surfaces into arenas of psychological exposure. William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965), trained as a physician before becoming a professional writer, brought to drama the clinician's habit of detached observation. His cosmopolitan life, early success in the London theatre, and lifelong interest in human self-deception shaped works that are worldly without being sentimental. Before his fame as a novelist and short-story writer became dominant, Maugham was among the most performed playwrights in England, and these plays illuminate that formative achievement. This collection is recommended to readers interested in sophisticated theatrical prose, social satire, and the evolution of modern British drama. It offers both pleasure and insight: polished entertainment that quietly dissects the hypocrisies of civilized life.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics
Length31 hrs 7 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJun 10, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
29Penelope
2Introduction
30Characters
3Author Biography
31The First Act
4Historical Context
32The Second Act
5Synopsis (Selection)
33The Third Act
Show all chaptersShow less
6A Man of Honour
34Mrs. Dot
7GENERAL PREFACE
35Characters
8THE FIRST ACT
36The First Act
9THE SECOND ACT
37The Second Act
10THE THIRD ACT
38The Third Act
11THE FOURTH ACT
39Landed Gentry
12Lady Frederick
40Characters
13THE FIRST ACT
41The First Act
14THE SECOND ACT
42The Second Act
15THIRD ACT
43The Third Act
16The Explorer
44The Fourth Act
17THE FIRST ACT
45East of Suez
18THE SECOND ACT
46Scene I
19THE THIRD ACT
47Scene II
20THE FOURTH ACT
48Scene III
21The Circle
49Scene IV
22THE FIRST ACT
50Scene V
23THE SECOND ACT
51Scene VI
24THE THIRD ACT
52Scene VII
25Caesar's Wife
53Analysis
26ACT I
54Reflection
27ACT II
55Memorable Quotes
28ACT III
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