The Magician [Hardcover]

W. Somerset Maugham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2008

THE MAGICIAN (1908) by W. Somerset Maugham is an unusual work of early 20th century fantastic literature inspired by the real historical personage and occultist Aleister Crowley who was a contemporary and acquaintance of the author.

Reminiscent of FRANKENSTEIN, the magician, Oliver Haddo, is an imposing, terrifying and yet strangely compelling man of mystery who engages in dangerous clandestine experimentation and dark practices, embroiling the other characters in a wicked game of life and death.

Includes an introduction by the author titled "A Fragment of Autobiography."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Norilana Books (July 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193464868X
• ISBN-13: 978-1934648681
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,451,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Maugham's Best; However..., December 31, 2006

By 

John Conner "part-time professional student" (Lake Orion, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Magician (Paperback)

If you are a fan of W. Somerset Maugham's work, then you should surely read THE MAGICIAN. If you haven't read Maugham, I'd suggest reading THE RAZOR'S EDGE, THE MOON & SIXPENCE, or OF HUMAN BONDAGE first.

It's not that THE MAGICIAN isn't a well crafted story, but rather it does not have the vitality of Maugham's better known work.

This tale was roughly based on the infamous turn-of-the-century (20th) magician Aleister Crowley. Maugham creates a setting where newly-trusted (modern) science can scoff at the alchemists of the previous century. Those familiar with Paracelsus and Rosicrucian thought in general will find the sub-story of Dr. Porhoët's detached study of the occult compelling.

Overall this is an average story with a predictable plot, and Maugham's writing skills are "singularly" responsible for making THE MAGICIAN an enjoyable read.