Of Human Bondage -
William Somerset Maugham
1915 - George H. Doran Company, New York - First Edition, First Issue
A superb example, the first edition of Maugham’s masterpiece, and the most autobiographical of his works. The coming-of-age story of Philip Carey, a sensitive young man consumed by an unrequited and self-destructive love.
One of 4,336 copies of the first edition published on 12 August 1915. First issue with misprint ‘help him’ on page 257 line 4. ‘Of Human Bondage was initially called The Artistic Temperament of Stephen Carey, then Beauty from the Ashes, a quotation from Isaiah. When Maugham discovered that this title had been used already, he borrowed his final title from one of the books in Spinoza's Ethics’ - Guardian, 100 Best Novels, 44.
Provenance: Californian booksellers circular label to front pastedown, ‘Millard Bros.’ of 7 West Santa Clara St., San Jose.
Reference: Stott, A Bibliography of the Works of W. Somerset Maugham A21.
Octavo (book size 20.4x13.6cm), pp. [6] 648 [2]. In publisher’s ‘Empire green linen’ (Stott) cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front board blocked in gilt with lettering in relief. Condition: Fine but for a hint of rubbing to corners, and adhesive from small circular booksellers label affecting lower corner of front endpapers. Ref: 112178 Price: HK$ 35,000
One of 4,336 copies of the first edition published on 12 August 1915. First issue with misprint ‘help him’ on page 257 line 4. ‘Of Human Bondage was initially called The Artistic Temperament of Stephen Carey, then Beauty from the Ashes, a quotation from Isaiah. When Maugham discovered that this title had been used already, he borrowed his final title from one of the books in Spinoza's Ethics’ - Guardian, 100 Best Novels, 44.
Provenance: Californian booksellers circular label to front pastedown, ‘Millard Bros.’ of 7 West Santa Clara St., San Jose.
Reference: Stott, A Bibliography of the Works of W. Somerset Maugham A21.
Octavo (book size 20.4x13.6cm), pp. [6] 648 [2]. In publisher’s ‘Empire green linen’ (Stott) cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front board blocked in gilt with lettering in relief. Condition: Fine but for a hint of rubbing to corners, and adhesive from small circular booksellers label affecting lower corner of front endpapers. Ref: 112178 Price: HK$ 35,000