Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 (Unabridged) Audiobook, by W. Somerset Maugham Play Audiobook Sample

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 Audiobook (Unabridged)

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 (Unabridged) Audiobook, by W. Somerset Maugham Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Charlton Griffin Publisher: Audio Connoisseur Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: November 2004 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

William Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965) took his reading material quite seriously. He said, When I read a book, I seem to read it with my eyes only. But now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.

Maugham's work has certainly become a part of millions of his fans today. To judge by his short story masterpieces, it was in the tiny crevasses and pinched corners of humanity that Maugham illuminated those elemental qualities that were to fascinate him all his life. In fact, the concept of a normal person never entered his mind. He claimed such people simply didn't exist.

Selections in Volume 3:

  • Rain, perhaps Maugham's most famous story, follows the efforts of a missionary who tries to reform a wayward woman.
  • The Luncheon describes the hilarious meeting of an impoverished writer and a friend with an appetite.
  • Episode is an odd story of what happens when love finally gives out.
  • The Poet is about a man who, in the midst of breathless anticipation, finally gets to meet the most famous poet in Spain.
  • A Man with a Conscience tells a convict's story of murder and his lack of remorse.
  • The Kite is the humorous story of what happens when a woman comes between her man and his passion.
  • The Back of Beyond explores the volcanic emotions that are aroused when a love that is taken for granted is proven false.

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"The best short stories around. Somerset traveled 80% of the time and supported his travels by writing about his adventures and the facinating people he met. While Somerset might have been one of the most arrogant men of his time, his view into the humn condition is priceless...and should be read. "

— Amy (5 out of 5 stars)

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 5 (3.50)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 5
3 Stars: 5
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  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I only read "Honolulu" out of this volume. The beginning of this story held such promise, but I was very disappointed with the rest of the story. I might read the other stories in this volume, but it won't be high on my list. "

    — Janet, 1/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An expert author writing thrilling and insightful spy stories set during WW I. Great stuff. "

    — Douglas, 9/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " As much as I love Somerset Maugham, this wasn't his best. Unlike his other collections, this one is a set of stories that follow one from another on the actions of a certain character. Fine if you like it, but lacking the power of his distinct vignettes. "

    — Brendan, 5/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Espionage stories that are more focused on character development than action. For the most part, I liked the character of the spy Ashenden, and I quite liked many of these short stories. "

    — Karen, 10/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Maugham is kind of lazy. Sometimes it's like he's about to get totally awesome, and then he just gets formulaic. He could have been so much better. "

    — Jesse, 3/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read 3 short stories. "

    — umberto, 2/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " There is, of course, some really good writing in here - and the following commnet may even to some extent reflect the quality of the writing - but I struggled with the overall oppressive fug of stories about the problems of white male imperialists. "

    — Barry, 11/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I like most of Maugham's short stories I have read so far. I think He is the quintessential short story writer and a real story teller. "

    — Henk, 11/24/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " maugham is kind of the granddaddy of ex-pat writers, and deals mainly with victorian gentlemen abroad in tropical climates. a great short-story writer who creates compelling portraits of a bygone era. great night/beach reading. "

    — John, 7/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Maugham is a master of human nature, as these six stories illustrate. My favorites: "The Outstation" and "The Three Fat Women of Antibes." "

    — Laurele, 11/10/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite author at the moment, Mr. Maugham! Most of his short stories in this volume have very close connections to themes from his full length novels. I prefer his lengthier books but if you don't have time to read his full novels or prefer short stories then this is a good substitute. "

    — Michelle, 5/20/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This author knows how to transport the reader to every foreign place imaginable. "

    — Douglas, 3/23/2008
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Maugham is an amazing storyteller who almost almost never leaves the reader with the impression that the story being told is actually one of fiction. "

    — Matt, 10/9/2007
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " all of maugham's short stories are great. especially when you want a whole story with rich characters but don't quite have time for a full novel. "

    — Chrissie, 7/10/2007

About W. Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was born in Paris, the son of a British embassy official, and grew up in England. He studied medicine and officially qualified as a doctor before turning to writing. One of the twentieth century’s most popular novelists as well as a celebrated playwright, critic, and short-story writer, he also served as a secret agent for the British during World War I.