Of Human Bondage

New York: George H. Doran Company, 1915 First edition, first issue, lacking the Doran monogram on the copyright page and with "help him" misprint on page 257 line 4. One of 4,336 copies. Publisher's empire green linen cloth, with front board blocked in gilt, and spine lettered in gilt. About fine, with light rubbing to spine ends and corners. Overall, a bright, handsome copy. Stott A21a. Of Human Bondage is a semi-autobiographical novel and is considered Maugham's masterpiece. The text 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. Of Human Bondage was adapted into three films in 1934, 1946, and 1964. The films starred Leslie Howard and Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Eleanor Parker, and Laurence Harvey and Kim Novak as Philip and Mildred, respectively.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine.