At last there is a definitive biography of W. Somerset Maugham, one of the most remarkable and secretive literary figures of the twentieth century. Ted Morgan has penetrated the barriers which for years prevented the creation of a full portrait of this paradoxical writer - barriers set up by Maugham himself, who asked friends to destroy his correspondence, and who instructed his literary executor not to assist any eventual biographers. Unlike most nineteenth century authors, Maugham took up writing as a full-time occupation. It made him a millionaire and filled his life with luxury and adventure. But behind his facade of success and excitement Maugham was an emotional cripple who could not come to terms with his own homosexuality. He married, in an Edwardian attempt to keep up appearances, yet carried on a 30 year love affair with Gerald Haxton. He died a lonely and embittered figure, alienated even from his family.