"Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour" by W. Somerset Maugham is a compilation of theatrical works from the early 1900s, mainly revolving around "Lady Frederick," who is a lively woman dealing with money troubles as she juggles relationships, all amid the threat of losing her wealthy status. The play uses humor to tackle topics like love, what people think of you, and where you stand in society, especially as Lady Frederick thinks about getting married and facing financial ruin. "Lady Frederick" starts at the Hotel Splendide in Monte Carlo, with main characters and Lady Frederick caught in a sticky web with other members of upper society. Lady Merenston worries because her son Charlie is in love with Lady Frederick, seeing her as a bad choice because of her shaky reputation and unstable finances so she sets out to ruin their affair before it goes farther. As characters discuss the matters we learn about Lady Frederick's debts and what she must risk to keep up her high-class image. The back-and-forth between Lady Frederick, those who admire her, and those who criticize her creates a funny look at love and right versus wrong in a world obsessed only by looks and status.
Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
In a world of high society and hidden agendas, a charismatic woman battles scandal and financial ruin as she navigates love, reputation, and survival.
Summary
About the AuthorWilliam Somerset Maugham was an English writer, known for his plays, novels and short stories. Born in Paris, where he spent his first ten years, Maugham was schooled in England and went to a German university. He became a medical student in London and qualified as a physician in 1897. He never practised medicine, and became a full-time writer. His first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), a study of life in the slums, attracted attention, but it was as a playwright that he first achieved national celebrity. By 1908 he had four plays running at once in the West End of London. He wrote his 32nd and last play in 1933, after which he abandoned the theatre and concentrated on novels and short stories.
William Somerset Maugham was an English writer, known for his plays, novels and short stories. Born in Paris, where he spent his first ten years, Maugham was schooled in England and went to a German university. He became a medical student in London and qualified as a physician in 1897. He never practised medicine, and became a full-time writer. His first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897), a study of life in the slums, attracted attention, but it was as a playwright that he first achieved national celebrity. By 1908 he had four plays running at once in the West End of London. He wrote his 32nd and last play in 1933, after which he abandoned the theatre and concentrated on novels and short stories.
More Like This
Explore books similar to the one you're viewing
Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Lady of Pleasure A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury Lane
By James Shirley
The Heiress; a comedy, in five acts
By John Burgoyne
Mrs. Dot: A Farce
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Fine Lady's Airs (1709)
By Thomas Baker
Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
More by This Author
Discover other books written by the same author
The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Merry-go-round
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
Mrs. Craddock
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Bishop's Apron: A study in the origins of a great family
By W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham