W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was a British novelist, playwright, and short-story writer. He was born in Paris to British parents and raised by his uncle in England after his parents died when he was a child.

Maugham studied medicine at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, but he never practiced medicine. Instead, he began writing and published his first novel, "Liza of Lambeth," in 1897. He went on to become one of the most popular writers of his time, known for his clear and precise prose, his psychological insight, and his keen observation of human behavior.

Maugham's most famous works include "Of Human Bondage," "The Razor's Edge," "The Moon and Sixpence," and "Cakes and Ale." Many of his works explore themes of love, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life.

In addition to his novels and short stories, Maugham was also a successful playwright. His plays, including "The Circle" and "Our Betters," were popular in London's West End and on Broadway.

Maugham was openly gay, which was unusual for his time, and he had several long-term relationships with men. He also traveled extensively throughout his life, often to exotic locations, and his experiences traveling and living abroad influenced much of his writing.

Maugham was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a man of great charm and wit, but he was also capable of great cruelty. He was a homosexual in a time when homosexuality was illegal, and he kept his sexuality a secret for most of his life.

Maugham was a brilliant writer, but he was also a man of many flaws. He was a snob and a misogynist, and he was often cruel to those around him. However, he was also a man of great insight, and his work is still read and admired today.

Maugham died in the south of France in 1965 at the age of 91. His work continues to be read and studied today, and he is considered one of the most important British writers of the 20th century.

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