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Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

Of Human Bondage

by W. Somerset Maugham
Aggregate Editorial Score46/100
TIME 100 Best Novels
Published 1915589 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage (1915) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Philip Carey, a lame orphan sent to his uncle's provincial vicarage, struggles through education, art, and a destructive infatuation with a waitress named Mildred. Maugham's semi-autobiographical masterpiece is one of the great coming-of-age novels in English—honest, painful, and ultimately redemptive. Themes of obsession, freedom, disability run through the work. The book has received recognition from TIME 100 Best Novels 1915.

Book Details

AuthorW. Somerset Maugham
Published1915
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages589
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780140018455
Editorial Score46/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1915, W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with obsession, freedom, disability, art gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Among its recognitions: TIME 100 Best Novels 1915. With an editorial score of 46/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to Of Human Bondage for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of obsession, freedom, disability, art is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Of Human Bondage reflects W. Somerset Maugham's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
191521
✍️
About the Author
W. Somerset Maugham
United Kingdom
View Author →

W. Somerset Maugham is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

Designed to Feel
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Of Human Bondage about?

Philip Carey, a lame orphan sent to his uncle's provincial vicarage, struggles through education, art, and a destructive infatuation with a waitress named Mildred. Maugham's semi-autobiographical masterpiece is one of the great coming-of-age novels in English—honest, painful, and ultimately redemptive.

Who wrote Of Human Bondage?

Of Human Bondage was written by W. Somerset Maugham, from United Kingdom. First published in 1915.

What awards has Of Human Bondage won?

Of Human Bondage has received the following awards and honours: TIME 100 Best Novels 1915.

Is Of Human Bondage worth reading?

Of Human Bondage is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 21/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in obsession, freedom, disability.

Where can I buy Of Human Bondage?

You can buy Of Human Bondage on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Of Human Bondage?

Of Human Bondage is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Of Human Bondage from?

Of Human Bondage originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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