The Trembling of a Leaf : Little Stories of the South Sea Islands

W. Somerset Maugham

Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

07-28-06

7hrs 52min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Fiction

As low as $0.00
Play Audio Sample

07-28-06

7hrs 52min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Fiction

Description

“An unforgettable study of the effect of the South Seas upon the mind, body, and soul of...man.” New Republic, 1921

When noted English writer W. Somerset Maugham set off for the South Seas to regain his health, his experiences would become the bedrock for the stories represented here. These are among Maugham’s best work, as well as some of the best stories ever written about the exotic South Seas.

“Mackintosh” is a taut psychological study of two officials on a remote tropic island. “The Fall of Edward Barnard” is a story about what is important in life, a precursor to Maugham’s well-known novel, The Razor’s Edge. Love is always a subject of the tropics, and Maugham’s deft, ironic handling of the theme in “Red” and “Honolulu” is masterful. “The Pool” tells a poignant and tragic tale about the pitfalls for love across cultures. Maugham’s most famous story, “Rain,” about the ironic consequences of obsession, was adapted for both theater and film.

Praise

“An unforgettable study of the effect of the South Seas upon the mind, body, and soul of...man.” New Republic, 1921

“Each separate tale is begun by inspiration and completed by artistic perfection.” Saturday Review

“The Trembling of a Leaf…marked a triumphant return to the genre of which [Maugham] was to become a master.” Selina Hastings, The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham

“The Trembling of a Leaf, the first of his collections of Far East stories…[is] an impressive achievement…Maugham had happily discovered that the fragments of experience he encountered on his travels could be easily transformed into well-crafted short stories, and with this volume he began an enormously fruitful period.”  Robert Calder, Willie: The Life of Somerset Maugham

Details
More Information
Language English
Release Day Jul 27, 2006
Release Date July 28, 2006
Release Date Machine 1154044800
Imprint Blackstone Publishing
Provider Blackstone Publishing
Categories Literature & Fiction, Classics, Anthologies & Short Stories, Fiction - All, Fiction - Adult
Author Bio
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.

Narrator Bio
Frederick Davidson

Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.

Overview

When noted English writer W. Somerset Maugham set off for the South Seas to regain his health, his experiences would become the bedrock for the stories represented here. These are among Maugham’s best work, as well as some of the best stories ever written about the exotic South Seas.

“Mackintosh” is a taut psychological study of two officials on a remote tropic island. “The Fall of Edward Barnard” is a story about what is important in life, a precursor to Maugham’s well-known novel, The Razor’s Edge. Love is always a subject of the tropics, and Maugham’s deft, ironic handling of the theme in “Red” and “Honolulu” is masterful. “The Pool” tells a poignant and tragic tale about the pitfalls for love across cultures. Maugham’s most famous story, “Rain,” about the ironic consequences of obsession, was adapted for both theater and film.

Reviews

Write Your Own Review
Only registered users can write reviews. Please Sign in or create an account