Look inside

Specialized Books

The Magician

4.1(5)
Hardcover€31.50Paperback€24.95
Language
English
Not availableFree shipping
Buy Now

About the book

In Paris, surgeon Arthur Burdon and his fiancé are introduced to Oliver Haddo, a wealthy Englishman from an old family who claims to be a magician trained in the occult. At first they are unconvinced and irritated by Haddo's boasts; however he soon demonstrates his powers in more and more fateful ways.The character of Oliver Haddo is an unflattering caricature of the English occultist Alistair Crowley, whom Maugham had met while living in Paris. Crowley himself wrote a review in Vanity Fair in which he accused Maugham of plagiarizing various other novels, signing off as "Oliver Haddo." Most critics dismissed these allegations.

Editions (15)

ISBN9791043144707
PublisherCulturea
Publication Date03/30/26
Pages260

Reviews & Ratings

5 ratings

1 reviews

4.1

Tap to filter

  • jersy104
    jersy104

    13 Followers

    4.0

    This was so interesting. It reminded me of one of these really old horror movies with its fascinating mystery, intriguing villian and even the way the main characters were writting fit perfectly into that genre. Even though I can't say I liked any of the characters or felt particularly sorry for them, the plot kept me engaged. That ending must have been quit shocking in 1908 and even today I didn't see it coming like this. Maughams character descriptions were really weird, though. According to the narrator, everyone except Margarete is ugly, but when they are desriped in detail that didn't really come across that way. Maybe Maugham and I just have an entirely different understand of aesthetics. Anyway, Maughams writing is special in a way and though I generally liked it, that and how he loses himself in flowery descriprions sometimes wasn't my cup of tea. Still loved the mystery and will continue to read his works in the future.

    Sep 4, 2022

Reading is better with the READO app.

Discover books, track progress, read together.

Library

Keep track