is "of human bondage" the best work of maugham?

Answer 1

Personally, I preferred "Razor's Edge." But "Of Human Bondage" is generally the book most anthologized, and taught in colleges. The reason might be because of the theme of the book, which Bartleby's calls " a journey of self-realization." In the year it was published, 1915, the world was experiencing a major shift of class and economics with the Industrial Revolution limping into the first world war. People were searching for meaning, and perhaps that search was mirrored for them with Maugham's semi-autobiographical novel? Or maybe they just really liked the way he said things! LOL

Whatever the case you can read it online at: http://www.bibliomania.com/0/0/38/frameset.html

Here are some links with bio's of the man, summaries of the novel you ask about, etc.

Answer 2

Yes, it is. I loved that book. I could really identify with Philllip Carey's journey of self-discovery. I think everyone that age goes through it. But... even though Mildred treated him like crap (and he to her), he still should not have wound up with Sally.

I'm gonna have to re-read it soon!