The Summing Up

By: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

William Somerset Maugham (1874�1965) was born at the height of British imperial power. When he died, the British Empire was all but a memory. In Maugham's lifetime, as his civilization slowly disappeared, people from all walks of life, the proud, the urbane, the crude, and the desperate, passed beneath the lens of his dispassionate scrutiny. Transformed into some of the most unforgettable literary works of the 20th century, his experiences re-emerged in his plays, fiction, and essays. No other writer possessed his keen ability of observation. It was an ability so well honed that his work makes you feel as if you have been drawn into an intimate conversation with the century's most arresting and sophisticated personality.

The Summing Up represents Maugham's life and philosophy in his own words. It is autobiographical in nature, though most of the work is concerned with Maugham's unique and fascinating opinions on the theater, writing, metaphysics, and the interesting people he encountered in his long and successful career. His style is very conversational and you feel yourself settling into an intellectual odyssey led by a man who lived life to its fullest. Sixty years after The Summing Up was published, Maugham's controversial insights and opinions continue to stimulate conversation and debate. This is one of the most entertaining, self-revealing pieces of all time.

(P)2000 Audio Connoisseur

Critic reviews

"A treasure." (AudioFile)

Portrait of the artist as an old man

Listening to "The Summing Up" is like sitting with Maugham in a dimly lit club room on a steamer slowly chugging across a distant sea. He is leisurely, even dilatory, in his deeply considered but gently offered reminiscences. His was the life of an artist--a self-conscious artist who intended to hone the skills of his art. He shares his thoughts on great writers of the past, and discusses the business of succeeding as a dramatist. The last section of this book is frankly philosophical. This book reminds one of an an autobiography written with the frankness of a man who thought it would never be read by others. Perhaps it feels so frank because it deals mostly with his thoughts, and so little with the events of his life. For example, this book never even mentions that he married and fathered a daughter, nor does it allude to the years he allegedly spent living with a homosexual lover.

As always, Charlton Griffin, who reads this book for us, is superb beyond description. He brings the perfect mixture of erudition and languor to the reading.

I highly recommend this recording for anyone who contemplates living the life of a writer.

Reflections on a full life

Maugham wrote clearly and without humbug. Much to absorb here about drama, fiction, philosophy, religion, and autobiography. Many aphorisms and much wry humor. Both proud and modest at the same time. Does not claim “to know it all,” and has the wisdom to say so.

The Audible narrator does a good unhurried job.

A must for people who love the works of Maugham

I've listened to this many times. I think I may like listening to it more than reading it. The part towards the end on metaphysics is quite impressive though compact. I don't think this is a book for someone who hasn't read the author before. Charlton G's narration is perfect if you've been listening to other books by Maugham narrated by him, at least for me as I love his voice, and also because the author has a unique way of inserting himself as the narrator of many of his novels, so you feel as if this autobiographical text fits right in...

Variety of the most important subjects

Serious great work.
It is the best to listen to it after reading the majority of Maugham’s books.

Maugham magic

A wonderfully enriching voyage through Maugham's sensibility. A very rewarding listening experience as Maugham's opinions are well thought through, albe they of a certain time, but you find you have to take a stance and he causes one to think in new directions. Honest and very instructive as well.