The Magician by W Somerset Maugham

Description

“The Magician” is a novel written by British author W. Somerset Maugham. It was first published in 1908 and is one of Maugham’s early works. The novel tells the story of Oliver Haddo, a sinister and enigmatic character who is a self-proclaimed magician and occultist. Haddo is portrayed as a dark and mysterious figure who seeks to unlock the secrets of life and death through his occult practices and experiments.

The story revolves around Arthur Burdon, the novel’s protagonist, who becomes entangled with Haddo when he falls in love with Margaret, a young woman who becomes the target of Haddo’s dark desires. The novel explores themes of love, obsession, and the conflict between science and the occult.

“The Magician” was influenced by the late 19th and early 20th-century fascination with the occult and mysticism. Maugham drew inspiration from real-life figures, such as the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, in creating the character of Oliver Haddo. The novel is known for its eerie and Gothic atmosphere and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

Maugham’s writing style and themes evolved significantly throughout his career, and “The Magician” is often considered one of his early, less well-known works. While it may not be as celebrated as some of his later novels, it is still a notable contribution to the literature of the era and offers a glimpse into the cultural preoccupations of the time.