William Somerset Maugham

MAUGHAM, William Somerset (1874-1965). The Moon and Sixpence. London: William Heinemann, 1919.

First edition, first issue, of Maugham's famous novel based on the life of artist Paul Gauguin. In the author’s own words, the narrative ‘is founded on what I had heard about him, but I used only the main facts of his story and for the rest trusted to such gifts of invention as I was fortunate enough to possess’ (author’s foreword to 1953 edition). Stott A22.

Octavo. 2 leaves of publisher's advertisements at end with 6 Eden Phillpotts novels listed and other first issue poitns (tanned, one leaf with portion torn from corner with textual loss, one short marginal tear). Original green cloth, spine and front cover lettered in black (spine ends faintly bruised); original textual dust-jacket (spine a little darkened, extremities faintly rubbed); housed in modern grey cloth box.