Selina Hastings

Draws on exclusive access to the literary master's private papers and interviews with his daughter to share insights into such topics as his work as a British spy and private homosexuality, in a profile that is complemented by previously unpublished photographs.

A Biography

The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham

Sarah Sammis

The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham by Selina Hastings was one of my earliest wishlist books. I became curious about his life and career after reading Ashenden or the British Agent.

I was mostly interested in his role in politics and espionage. The book has some of that as well as his writing career. But most of the book seemed to be devoted to his sexuality. That's fine but that's not what makes me interested in him.

As Maugham's books were mostly semi-autobiographical I think I will go back to the source and read more of them. I feel I will learn more about what made him tick form his own words than from his biography.

The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham A Biography

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