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
1The Greatest Plays of W. Somerset Maugham (Annotated)
26Caesar's Wife
2Introduction
27ACT I
3Author Biography
28ACT II
4Historical Context
29ACT III
5Synopsis (Selection)
30Penelope
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6A Man of Honour
31Characters
7GENERAL PREFACE
32The First Act
8CHARACTERS
33The Second Act
9THE FIRST ACT
34The Third Act
10THE SECOND ACT
35Mrs. Dot
11THE THIRD ACT
36Characters
12THE FOURTH ACT
37The First Act
13Lady Frederick
38The Second Act
14THE FIRST ACT
39The Third Act
15THE SECOND ACT
40Landed Gentry
16THIRD ACT
41Characters
17The Explorer
42The First Act
18THE FIRST ACT
43The Second Act
19THE SECOND ACT
44The Third Act
20THE THIRD ACT
45The Fourth Act
21THE FOURTH ACT
46East of Suez
22The Circle
47Scene I
23THE FIRST ACT
48Scene II
24THE SECOND ACT
49Scene III
25THE THIRD ACT
50Scene IV
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