The Explorer

New York: Baker and Taylor, 1909.

Price: $250.00

Hardcover. First American edition, from British sheets. Modest wear at the spine ends, else near fine, lacking the rare dustwrapper. The novelization of a 1903 play which had been rejected, but which Maugham revised and which was eventually published in 1912. It was also the basis for the first of over 60 films derived from Maugham's works: a 1915 five reel picture by George Meldford, with a screenplay by William C. de Mille and featuring Lou Tellegen.

Item #367094

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Item #367094 The Explorer. William Somerset MAUGHAM.

W. Somerset Maugham
birth name: William Somerset Maugham
born: 1/25/1874
died: 12/16/1965
nationality: Great Britain

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Biography

English novelist, playwright, and short-story writer whose work is characterized by a clear, unadorned style, cosmopolitan settings, and a shrewd understanding of human nature. - Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literaturemore

Collecting tips:

Maugham was especially prolific. Among our favorites are The Razor's Edge (1944), the American edition preceding the U.K. edition, issued in the U.S. in both a limited and trade edition (the limited had an unprinted glassine jacket - usually missing - and a slipcase, the trade a jacket), The Moon and Sixpence (1919 - the jacket is very scarce), and his first book, Liza of Lambeth (1897 - reportedly issued with a jacket, we've never seen one but suspect that indeed it was). We are intrigued by his many plays, although it can take considerable effort to figure out the various editions and states, even with the good Stott bibliography.

Email us to request a printed copy of our catalog of W. Somerset Maugham Rare Books and First Editions (or download it via the link as a 3.13 MB pdf file).more