The Hero (The Classic Unabridged Edition) (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A post-war psychological portrait of grief, duty, and quiet resilience in a changing British worldBy William Somerset Maugham
Length9h 39m
About this audiobook
The Hero, first published in 1901, is an early but revealing novel in W. Somerset Maugham's long career, examining the uneasy aftermath of military glory. Set against the social atmosphere of late-Victorian England and shadowed by the Boer War, it follows a celebrated soldier whose public reputation as a brave "hero" collides with private uncertainty, emotional constraint, and the moral narrowness of provincial life. Written in a lucid, ironic, and psychologically attentive style, the novel anticipates Maugham's mature concern with illusion, social performance, and the gap between convention and desire. William Somerset Maugham, trained as a physician before turning decisively to literature, brought to fiction a clinical eye for human weakness and self-deception. His early experiences among the middle classes, his medical work in London's poorer districts, and his cosmopolitan skepticism all helped form the detached yet compassionate narrative intelligence visible here. The Hero belongs to the formative stage of a writer who would later become one of the twentieth century's most widely read English authors. This classic unabridged edition is recommended for readers interested in Maugham's development, Edwardian social criticism, and fiction that questions the cost of public admiration. It is especially rewarding for those who value restrained prose, moral ambiguity, and acute studies of character.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics, Mystery and Thriller
Length9 hrs 39 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJul 31, 2017
LanguageEnglish
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