🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About W. Somerset Maugham
For much of his 90 years on Earth, Somerset Maugham was one of the most admired authors on the globe. In almost every English speaking country, his novels and short stories had immense acclaim. “Of Human Bondage” which is one of the best works he ever published would go on to become one of the twentieth century’s most widely read works of fiction. His novels would later on be translated into dozens of languages, as it was dramatized and millions of copies would be sold. His notoriety would bring him enormous wealth and celebrity, and he would often be pursued by journalists whenever he went. It does seem that at some point he was known to and was friends with everyone from DH Lawrence to Henry James from Dorthy Parker to Winston Churchill. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, W. Somerset Maugham has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by W. Somerset Maugham
Liza of Lambeth
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Liza of Lambeth, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Making Of A Saint
The Making Of A Saint is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Hero
The Hero continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mrs Craddock
Mrs Craddock is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Merry-Go-Round
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Merry-Go-Round, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Bishop's Apron
The Bishop's Apron continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Explorer
The Explorer continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Magician
Magic takes center stage in The Magician, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by W. Somerset Maugham.
Of Human Bondage
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Of Human Bondage, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Moon and Sixpence
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Moon and Sixpence, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Painted Veil
The Painted Veil continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ashenden
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Ashenden, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Cakes and Ale
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Cakes and Ale, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Narrow Corner
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Narrow Corner, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Theatre
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Theatre, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Christmas Holiday
Christmas Holiday continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Up at the Villa
Up at the Villa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Hour Before the Dawn
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Hour Before the Dawn, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Then and Now
Then and Now continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Catalina
Catalina continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Rain
Rain continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Appointment in Samarra
The Appointment in Samarra continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Jane
Jane continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Man of Honour
A Man of Honour continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mrs. Dot
Mrs. Dot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Jack Straw
Jack Straw continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Penelope
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with Penelope, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Lady Frederick
Lady Frederick is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Tenth Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Tenth Man, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Smith
Smith continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Landed Gentry
Landed Gentry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Land of Promise
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Land of Promise, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Unattainable
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Unattainable, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Unknown
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Unknown, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Circle
The Circle continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
East of Suez
East of Suez is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Caesar's Wife
Caesar's Wife continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Home And Beauty
Home And Beauty continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Our Betters
Our Betters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Loaves and Fishes
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with Loaves and Fishes, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Letter
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Letter, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Constant Wife
The Constant Wife continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sacred Flame
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Sacred Flame, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Breadwinner
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with The Breadwinner, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
For Services Rendered
For Services Rendered is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Sheppey
Sheppey continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Noble Spaniard
The Noble Spaniard is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Land of the Blessed Virgin
The Land of the Blessed Virgin continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
On A Chinese Screen
On A Chinese Screen continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Gentleman in the Parlour
The Gentleman in the Parlour continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Don Fernando
Don Fernando continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
My South Sea Island
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with My South Sea Island, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Summing Up
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Summing Up, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Books and You
Books and You is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
France at War
Conflict and courage define France at War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by W. Somerset Maugham that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Strictly Personal
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Strictly Personal, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Ten Novels and Their Authors
Ten Novels and Their Authors continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Writer's Notebook
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Writer's Notebook, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Writer's Point of View
The Writer's Point of View continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Vagrant Mood
The Vagrant Mood continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Partial View
The Partial View continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Travel Books
The Travel Books is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Points of View
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Points of View, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Orientations
Orientations continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Trembling of a Leaf
The Trembling of a Leaf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Casuarina Tree
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Casuarina Tree, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular
Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Book Bag
The Book Bag continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ah King
Ah King continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Judgement Seat
The Judgement Seat continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Cosmopolitans
Cosmopolitans continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Princess September and the Nightingale
Princess September and the Nightingale is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Mixture As Before
The Mixture As Before is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Creatures Of Circumstance
Creatures Of Circumstance continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Quartet: Stories
Quartet: Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Here and There
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Here and There, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Complete Short Stories Volume 2
The Complete Short Stories Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Trio: Stories
Trio: Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Complete Short Stories: Volume 3
The Complete Short Stories: Volume 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Encore: Stories
Encore: Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Collected Short Stories
Collected Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Collected Stories
Collected Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Skeptical Romancer
The Skeptical Romancer explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Collections series by W. Somerset Maugham.
Collected Short Stories: Volume 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collected Short Stories of/Novellas with Collected Short Stories: Volume 1, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Collected Short Stories: Volume 2
Collected Short Stories: Volume 2 continues the Publication Order of Collected Short Stories of/Novellas story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Collected Short Stories: Volume 3
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collected Short Stories of/Novellas with Collected Short Stories: Volume 3, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Collected Short Stories: Volume 4
Collected Short Stories: Volume 4 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collected Short Stories of/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
My Favorite Story
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with My Favorite Story, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Great First World War Stories
Conflict and courage define Great First World War Stories, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by W. Somerset Maugham that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
50 Great Short Stories
50 Great Short Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Short Story Masterpieces: 35 Classic American and British Stories from the First Half of the 20th Century
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Short Story Masterpieces: 35 Classic American and British Stories from the First Half of the 20th Century, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine July 1958
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine July 1958 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Third Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories
The Third Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Thirteenth Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Thirteenth Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
The Amis Story Anthology
The Amis Story Anthology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
The Mammoth Book of Short Spy Novels
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Short Spy Novels, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Escape to Mexico: An Anthology of Great Writers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Escape to Mexico: An Anthology of Great Writers, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
A Tangled Web
A Tangled Web is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of W. Somerset Maugham have come to expect.
Empire Tales
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Empire Tales, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
Stories to Get You Through the Night
Stories to Get You Through the Night continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
That Glimpse of Truth
That Glimpse of Truth continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with W. Somerset Maugham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Flash Fiction International
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Flash Fiction International, another outstanding contribution from W. Somerset Maugham.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is W. Somerset Maugham?
W. Somerset Maugham is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 103 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Plays. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best W. Somerset Maugham series to start with?
For readers new to W. Somerset Maugham's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Liza of Lambeth to start from the very beginning.
How many books has W. Somerset Maugham written?
W. Somerset Maugham has written over 103 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read W. Somerset Maugham books in order?
Yes, reading W. Somerset Maugham's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does W. Somerset Maugham write in?
W. Somerset Maugham writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 103 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are W. Somerset Maugham's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of W. Somerset Maugham's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is W. Somerset Maugham's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, W. Somerset Maugham's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Liza of Lambeth, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.