About this book
The Razor's Edge, by W. Somerset
Maugham, first published by Doubleday Doran in the United States in
1944, relates the experiences of a World War I pilot, Larry Darrell,
who chooses to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle as a way of
dealing with his PTSD, though the syndrome is of course not
identified as such in the book. This book challenges the cultural
ideals of the 1940s, and disregards the stereotype of the returning
military hero. Some controversy surrounded the publication of this
book because of its lack of patriotic fervor and its embrace of
bohemian ideals, but today it is regarded as one of the more
important pieces of American literature from the 1940s.
-
From the publisher
Larry Darrell is a young American in search of the absolute. The progress of his spiritual odyssey involves him with some of Maugham's most brilliant characters - his fiance e Isabel whose choice between love and wealth have lifelong repercussions, and Elliott Templeton, her uncle, a classic expatriate American snob. Maugham himself wanders in and out of the story, to observe his characters struggling with their fates.
First Edition Identification
The first printing remains highly collectible, and well kept copies are often sold for several thousand dollars (US). This signed limited edition of the book was printed with only 750 numbered copies, and features a red cover, with a black leather spine label with gilt lettering. First U.S. editions often show severe darkening and wear to the spine, and this flaw will lower the price dramatically, even with the author's signature.
The Razor's Edge was also published in the U.K. by William Heinemann the same year. For this edition the printing is of much lower quality, though signed copies of this printing in good condition still are valued above $1,000 USD. This edition commonly shows print smuding, chipped edges and tanned pages. The spine is often in poor condition. An original copy of the screenplay for the movie starring Tyrone Power is also highly collectible.
Details
-
Title
Razors Edge
-
Author
W. Somerset Maugham
-
Binding
Hardcover
-
Volumes
1
-
Language
ENG
-
Publisher
Amereon Limited
-
Date
June 2003
-
ISBN
9780848828066 / 0848828062
-
Weight
1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
-
Dimensions
8.7 x 5.8 x 1.2 in (22.10 x 14.73 x 3.05 cm)
-
Dewey Decimal Code
FIC
About the author
W. Somerset Maugham was one the twentieth century's most popular novelists as well as a celebrated playwright, critic, and short story writer. He was born in Paris but grew up in England and served as a secret agent for the British during World War I. He wrote many novels, including the classics Of Human Bondage, Cakes and Ale, Christmas Holiday, The Moon and Sixpence, Theatre," "and Up at the Villa.
