The Magician

Name: The Magician
Price: 7.65 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781684224838

✍️ W Somerset Maugham

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$7.65

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1908 novel portraying Aleister Crowley as a sinister magician in Paris.

This work examines the clash between conventional social expectations and occult forces through the character of Oliver Haddo. Maugham, who met Crowley in Paris, created this fictionalized account to explore the nature of evil. The story follows Arthur and Margaret, whose engagement is threatened by Haddo's presence. The novel reflects the cultural anxieties of the fin de siecle period. It offers a glimpse into the literary circles of early twentieth-century Europe. The text serves as a historical document of Maugham's early career and his interactions with controversial figures.

Key Themes

supernatural evil fin de siecle Paris occult interference

Literary Context

Set in fin de siecle Paris, the novel reflects the cultural tensions of the late nineteenth century. Maugham wrote it in London after meeting Crowley there. The 1908 publication captures the era's fascination with occultism and its impact on social norms.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Bram Stoker · Arthur Machen · M.R. James · Gothic horror

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Martino Fine Books 📅 2020 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781684224838

📝 Description: The Magician

W Somerset Maugham wrote The Magician in London after living in Paris and meeting Aleister Crowley. This 1908 novel presents Oliver Haddo as a sinister caricature of his real-life acquaintance. The story begins in fin de siecle Paris with Arthur and Margaret, who are engaged to be married. Everyone approves of the union until the repulsive Haddo appears and disrupts their lives. Maugham uses this character to personify evil within the narrative. The book explores themes of supernatural influence and social disruption through its vivid characters. It draws on the atmosphere of late nineteenth-century Parisian society. The plot centers on the conflict between the engaged couple and the intrusive magician. This edition is a 2020 reprint by Martino Fine Books, preserving the original text for modern readers. It suits those interested in early twentieth-century gothic fiction and literary history. Readers seeking straightforward romance may find the supernatural elements unsettling. The narrative structure follows the progression of the engagement and the subsequent interference by Haddo. Maugham, known for his sharp social observations, applies this skill to the genre of horror. The text reflects the tensions between conventional society and occult interests during that period. It remains a notable example of early magical realism in British literature.

💎 Our verdict on The Magician

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Maugham successfully applies his renowned sharp social observations to the horror genre, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and atmospherically dense. The characterization of Oliver Haddo serves as a compelling vehicle for exploring themes of supernatural influence and social disruption. While the plot centers on the interference in an engagement, the true strength lies in its exploration of evil and fin de siècle anxieties. This edition preserves the original text, making it accessible for modern audiences interested in early magical realism and British literature. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychological depth alongside gothic elements rather than those seeking straightforward romance or simple scares.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the intersection of literary history and supernatural fiction will find this work particularly engaging. It offers a unique glimpse into the early twentieth-century European atmosphere, serving as a historical document of W Somerset Maugham’s interactions with controversial figures like Aleister Crowley. Those who appreciate gothic horror blended with sharp social observation will enjoy how Maugham personifies evil through the sinister character of Oliver Haddo. This book is ideal for scholars and fans seeking to understand the cultural tensions between society and occult interests during that era, providing a vivid portrayal of Parisian life while maintaining the unsettling tone characteristic of classic horror fiction.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Maugham successfully applies his renowned sharp social observations to the horror genre, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and atmospherically dense. The characterization of Oliver Haddo serves as a compelling vehicle for exploring themes of supernatural influence and social disruption. While the plot centers on the interference in an engagement, the true strength lies in its exploration of evil and fin de siècle anxieties. This edition preserves the original text, making it accessible for modern audiences interested in early magical realism and British literature. It is best suited for readers who enjoy psychological depth alongside gothic elements rather than those seeking straightforward romance or simple scares.