Of Human BondageSelected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time "It is very difficult for a writer of my generation, if he is honest, to pretend indifference to the work of Somerset Maugham," wrote Gore Vidal. "He was always so entirely there." Originally published in 1915, Of Human Bondage is a potent expression of the power of sexual obsession and of modern man's yearning for freedom. This classic bildungsroman tells the story of Philip Carey, a sensitive boy born with a clubfoot who is orphaned and raised by a religious aunt and uncle. Philip yearns for adventure, and at eighteen leaves home, eventually pursuing a career as an artist in Paris. When he returns to London to study medicine, he meets the androgynous but alluring Mildred and begins a doomed love affair that will change the course of his life. There is no more powerful story of sexual infatuation, of human longing for connection and freedom. "Here is a novel of the utmost importance," wrote Theodore Dreiser on publication. "It is a beacon of light by which the wanderer may be guided. . . . One feels as though one were sitting before a splendid Shiraz of priceless texture and intricate weave, admiring, feeling, responding sensually to its colors and tones." With an Introduction by Gore Vidal Commentary by Theodore Dreiser and Graham Greene |
Contents
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CXVIII | |
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AFTERWORD | |
Classic Fiction | |
OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN WORKS | |
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Common terms and phrases
amused answered arms asked Athelny beautiful began believe better called Carey Cronshaw dinner doctor don’t door expected eyes face feeling fellow felt forced friends gave girl give given Griffiths hair hand happy Hayward head heard heart hospital hour interest It’s keep kissed knew laughed Lawson leave lived London looked married matter mean Mildred mind Miss Wilkinson months morning never night noticed once painted Paris passed passion Philip picture play presently remembered round Sally seemed seen shillings showed side sitting smile sometimes soon speak spoke stood street suddenly suggested suppose taken talk tell things thought told took turned uncle Vicar voice waiting walked week wish woman wondered young