The Summing Up
Enriched edition. Reflections on Life, Art, and the Creative JourneyBy W. Somerset Maugham
Length9h 42m
About this audiobook
In 'The Summing Up', W. Somerset Maugham presents a reflective exploration of his life, beliefs, and the essence of art. Combining autobiography with philosophical musings, Maugham's prose adopts a conversational tone that maintains accessibility while delving into profound truths. This work situates itself within the broader context of modernist literature, demonstrating Maugham's adept talent for blending self-examination with art critique, ultimately offering readers a synthesis of personal and universal insights. It is a compelling narrative that wrestles with the complexities of human experience and the role of the artist in society. W. Somerset Maugham, a prominent playwright and author of the early 20th century, drew inspiration from his own tumultuous background, including his childhood in a strict boarding school and his experiences as a doctor during World War I. These elements influenced his contemplations on the intricacies of human nature and the pursuit of happiness. Maugham's extensive travels and observations of diverse cultures further enriched his understanding of life's complexities, culminating in this introspective work, where he attempts to distill his wisdom through the lens of his varied experiences. 'The Summing Up' is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of personal reflection and literary artistry. Maugham's insights resonate across time, inviting deep contemplation of one's own life and choices. It serves not only as a memoir but also as a guide, encouraging readers to reflect upon the broader human condition while appreciating the art of narrative itself.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for 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
Length9 hrs 42 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 31, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
81 (pt. 2)
2Introduction
939 (pt. 1)
3Synopsis
1039 (pt. 2)
4Historical Context
11Analysis
5Author Biography
12Reflection
Show all chaptersShow less
6The Summing Up
13Memorable Quotes
71 (pt. 1)
CosmopolitansW. Somerset Maugham6h 35m$2 · $0.00
Cæsar's WifeW. Somerset Maugham3h 56m$2 · $0.00
The HeroW. Somerset Maugham7h 32m$2 · $0.00
The Hour Before the DawnW. Somerset Maugham8h 7m$2 · $0.00
The ExplorerW. Somerset Maugham7h 52m$2 · $0.00
Jack Straw: A Farce in Three ActsW. Somerset Maugham3h 42m$1 · $0.00
The Merry-go-roundW. Somerset Maugham2h 34m$2 · $0.00
The Razor's EdgeW. Somerset Maugham14h 30m$2 · $0.00
Ashenden: or, The British AgentW. Somerset Maugham10h 32m$1 · $0.00
Of Human BondageW. Somerset Maugham26h 58m$1 · $0.00
The Hour Before the DawnW. Somerset Maugham9h 28m$1 · $0.00
The MagicianW. Somerset Maugham9h 30m$1 · $0.00
Liza of LambethW. Somerset Maugham2h 23m$1 · $0.00
The Land of The Blessed Virgin; Sketches and Impressions in AndalusiaW. Somerset Maugham6h 34m$2 · $0.00
Up at the VillaW. Somerset Maugham4h 38m$2 · $0.00
Cakes and AleW. Somerset Maugham8h 42m$2 · $0.00
Up at the VillaW. Somerset Maugham3h 21m$2 · $0.00
The Making Of A SaintW. Somerset Maugham7h 59m$2 · $0.00
The Razor's EdgeW. Somerset Maugham13h 11m$2 · $0.00
The Jeeves and Wooster Stories: The Complete Collection (33 Books)P. G. Wodehouse21h 57m$15 · $0.00
The Gulag Archipelago Volume 3Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn21h 56m$46 · $0.00
Charles Dickens: Complete WorksCharles Dickens814h 50m$2 · $0.00
Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate CollectionArthur Conan Doyle59h 49m$5 · $0.00
The Complete Works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Novels, Short Stories and Autobiographical WritingsFyodor Dostoyevsky271h 27m$2 · $0.00
The Complete Works: Charlotte, Emily, Anne, Patrick & Branwell BrontëCharlotte Brontë, Anne Brontë, Emily Brontë138h 12m$1 · $0.00
L. M. Montgomery – Premium Collection: Novels, Short Stories, Poetry & MemoirsLucy Maud Montgomery155h 55m$2 · $0.00
MARK TWAIN: 12 Novels, 195 Short Stories, Autobiography, 10 Travel Books, 160+ Essays & Speeches (Illustrated)Mark Twain416h 24m5 (1)$2 · $0.00
The Great Gatsby: Original 1925 Edition (An F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic NovelFrancis Scott Fitzgerald4h 45m$18 · $0.00
Louisa May Alcott: 16 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated Edition)Louisa May Alcott141h 35m$2 · $0.00
The Fire Next TimeJames Baldwin2h 25m$15
The Complete Works of Oscar WildeOscar Wilde80h 38m$1 · $0.00
The Complete Books of F. Scott Fitzgerald (all his 5 novels + all 4 short story collections published during his lifetime)F. Scott Fitzgerald86h 48m$2 · $0.00
The Count of Monte Cristo (With Original Illustrations)Alexandre Dumas54h 7m$1 · $0.00
Braving the TruthRachel Held Evans11h 31m$29 · $0.00
Richard Wagamese SelectedRichard Wagamese3h 14m$15
Shōgun, Part OneJames Clavell24h 19m$35
Henry V (The Play, Historical Background and Analysis of the Character in the Play)William Shakespeare, William Hazlitt8h 40m$1 · $0.00
Pathways to LightPrakash Amte7h 6m$8
The North American Indian (Illustrated Edition)Edward S. Curtis, Frederick Webb Hodge6h$2 · $0.00
You may also like
Creative QuestQuestlove8h 44m$26 · $0.00
Clarity Through ActionSteve Pavlina17m$4 · $0.00
Superhuman Speed ReadingDave Farrow1h 5m$25
A Series of Lessons in Raja YogaWilliam Walker Atkinson8h 55m$2 · $0.00
Your Mind and How to Use ItWilliam Walker Atkinson5h 54m$2 · $0.00
On the Improvement of the UnderstandingBenedictus de Spinoza1m$2.30
Fingers Pointing Towards the MoonWei Wu Wei5h 27m$19 · $0.00
Is thought detrimental?Jiddu Krishnamurti1h$4 · $0.00
The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; Counsels and MaximsArthur Schopenhauer4h 53m$2.30
Choiceless AwarenessJ Krishnamurti5h 10m$7 · $0.00
The Benediction of MeditationJiddu Krishnamurti1h 7m$4 · $0.00
Change Your MindRJ Spina7h 5m$17
Write That Memoir Right NowKim Brittingham5h 48m$20 · $0.00
Inner spaceJiddu Krishnamurti1h 1m$4 · $0.00
DALE CARNEGIE: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, The Art of Public Speaking, How to Win Friends and Influence People & Lincoln the UnknownDale Carnegie49h 27m$2 · $0.00
The Theory of PsychoanalysisC. G. Jung4h 41m$2 · $0.00
Common Sense, How to Exercise ItYoritomo-Tashi3h 54m$1 · $0.00
Neuroscience for LeadershipTara Swart MD, PhD, Kitty Chisholm, Paul Brown7h 40m$17
Long Story ShortMargot Leitman4h 53m$14 · $0.00
Senescence, the Last Half of LifeG. Stanley Hall18h 48m$2 · $0.00