The Razor's Edge

London: William Heinemann, 1944.

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Hardcover. First English edition, preceded by the American edition. Slight bump on one corner, a few spots of foxing, and a small, very faint smudging on the front board, else fine in fine dustwrapper with none of the usual spine fading, and just a touch of soiling. A nice copy of a very poorly manufactured volume, and a book that despite originally receiving a mixed critical reception has been established as a classic. Probably the author's most popular work, in no small part because of its appeal to later generations who felt spiritually bankrupted by traditional Western lifestyles. Filmed by Edmund Goulding in 1946 with Tyrone Power, Gene Tierney, John Payne, Clifton Webb, and Anne Baxter (who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar). It was remade by John Byrum in 1984 with Bill Murray and Teresa Russell. *Burgess 99.*.

Item #386389

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Item #386389 The Razor's Edge. W. 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