{"product_id":"the-narrow-corner-by-w-somerset-maugham-rare-books","title":"The Narrow Corner by W. Somerset Maugham (rare books)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"174\"\u003eBook Summary \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"174\" data-end=\"177\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"196\"\u003eThe Narrow Corner\u003c\/em\u003e (1932) is a philosophical adventure novel by W. Somerset Maugham set in the South Seas, where a troubled young man, Fred Blake, flees a scandal in Australia and takes refuge aboard a small trading schooner helmed by the enigmatic Captain Nichols. They stop at the remote island of Kanda-Meira, where Blake encounters Doctor Saunders—a cynical, sharp-witted physician—and a cast of morally ambiguous characters. Amid exotic surroundings, Blake becomes romantically entangled with a local woman, Louise, leading to tensions, revelations, and ultimately a tragic climax. Beneath its surface of tropical adventure, the novel explores deep themes of guilt, fate, morality, and the human tendency toward self-deception. Maugham’s detached narrative voice, dry wit, and psychological insight make this more than just a tale of escape—it's a meditation on the narrow paths humans walk between desire and consequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1107\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1917\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1153\"\u003eAbout the Author: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1153\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW. Somerset Maugham\u003c\/strong\u003e (1874–1965) was a renowned British playwright, novelist, and short story writer known for his keen psychological insight, elegant prose, and cosmopolitan storytelling. Born in Paris and orphaned young, Maugham studied medicine before turning to literature full-time. His experiences across the British Empire—particularly in Southeast Asia—deeply influenced his work. Though initially criticized for his popularity, Maugham is now respected for his subtle character studies and moral complexity. His best-known works include \u003cem data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1719\"\u003eOf Human Bondage\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1739\"\u003eThe Razor’s Edge\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eThe Moon and Sixpence\u003c\/em\u003e. A master of the short story and a detached yet compassionate observer of human nature, Maugham left behind a literary legacy of enduring relevance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clapping Pages","offers":[{"title":"Used","offer_id":45255610564794,"sku":"3548AFKSH-Used","price":49.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5576\/0826\/files\/nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.jpg?v=1761066600","url":"https:\/\/clappingpages.com\/products\/the-narrow-corner-by-w-somerset-maugham-rare-books","provider":"Clapping Pages","version":"1.0","type":"link"}