W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was an English playwright, novelist, and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and, reputedly, the highest paid author during the 1930s. His semiautobiographical Of Human Bondage is considered to be his masterpiece. Other notable works by Maugham include The Moon and Sixpence, The Razor's Edge, Cakes and Ale, and The Gentleman in the Parlour.