Ten Novels and Their Authors

Ten Novels and Their Authors examines what W. Somerset Maugham considered the greatest novels ever written, including works by Fielding, Austen, Dickens, Melville, and Tolstoy. Originally published as magazine articles, the book provides biographical sketches of each author and analysis of their most significant work. Maugham explores the personal circumstances, writing habits, and historical context that shaped each novel's creation. His commentary draws from both his expertise as a novelist and his encounters with literary figures of his era. The selection spans multiple countries and literary movements, from English social satire to French realism to Russian epics. Through these ten works, Maugham traces the evolution of the novel form across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The collection reveals how universal themes of love, ambition, and moral conflict transcend time and culture, while each author's distinct voice and vision creates an enduring masterpiece. Maugham's analysis illuminates what makes these particular works stand above others in literary history.

Readers highlight Maugham's personal insights into the writing process and his analysis of authors' lives and personalities. Many appreciate the balance between biographical details and literary criticism, noting how he connects authors' experiences to their works. Readers praise: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Behind-the-scenes details about classic novels' creation - Focus on authors' human qualities and flaws - Sharp observations about writing craft - Entertainment value beyond academic analysis Common criticisms: - Dated cultural views and occasional bias - Limited scope (all European/American authors) - Some biographical sections run long - Occasional speculation about authors' motives Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (50+ ratings) Reader quote: "Maugham writes as a novelist examining other novelists, offering unique perspectives you won't find in academic criticism" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note the book serves better as entertainment than scholarly reference.

How to Read and Why by Harold Bloom A professor examines classic works of literature through close reading, exploring authorial intent and literary significance in texts from Shakespeare to Hemingway.

The Western Canon by Harold Bloom The book studies 26 authors from Dante to Beckett, analyzing their contributions to literature and their enduring influence on writing.

The Art of the Novel by Milan Kundera This work delves into seven masterpieces of European fiction, examining their structure, meaning, and innovation within the novel form.

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose The text examines works of literature from a writer's perspective, breaking down the technical elements that make classic novels function.

Writers on Writing by Robert Pack and Jay Parini Major authors discuss the works that influenced them and analyze the craft decisions of significant novelists throughout history.

🔹 Maugham met and interviewed Leo Tolstoy's widow, Sophia, while researching for this book, gaining firsthand insights into the author's life and writing process. 🔹 The book was initially rejected by several publishers who felt it wasn't commercial enough, only to become one of Maugham's most respected works of literary criticism. 🔹 During the writing process, Maugham re-read each novel at least three times and spent over two years researching the authors' lives and correspondence. 🔹 Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" was a last-minute addition to the book, replacing Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield" which Maugham had originally planned to include. 🔹 While writing these essays, Maugham maintained a practice of reading each featured novel in its original language when possible, showcasing his fluency in French, German, and Russian.