Of Human Bondage

New York: George H. Doran Company, 1915 First edition, first issue, lacking publisher's monogram on copyright page, and with "help him" misprint on page 257, line 4. One of 4,336 copies. Publisher's green cloth, with front board blocked in gilt, and spine stamped in gilt. Near fine, with light wear to spine ends and corners, binding sturdy slightly cracked at title page but sturdy otherwise, previous owner's signature of Sidney S. Koch to front free endpaper, and some light thumbsoiling to p. 1. Overall, a very sharp and clean copy. Stott A21a. Of Human Bondage is a bildungsroman featuring the protagonist Philip Carey, a club-footed orphan who is raised by his religious aunt and uncle. From a young age, Carey yearns for adventure and moves to Paris to pursue a career in art. Subsequently, he moves to London to study medicine, where he meets the androgynous Mildred, with whom he begins a torturous love affair that will forever alter the course of his life. A strongly autobiographical novel (Maugham's formative experience was a stammer rather than a clubfoot), Of Human Bondage is considered to be Maugham's masterpiece. The book was adapted into three films in 1934, 1946, and 1964, starring Leslie Howard and Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Eleanor Parker, and Laurence Harvey and Kim Novak as Philip and Mildred, respectively. Born in New York City, Sidney S. Koch was a prominent investment banker. He married Sheila Nevins, an award-winning television and film producer. Considered one of the most influential people in documentary filmmaking, she has won more individual Emmy Awards than any other person, and her work has won over 100 combined Emmy, Peabody, and Academy Awards.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine.