Audio Books > Bios & Memoirs > Personal Memoirs > The Summing Up (Unabridged)

The Summing Up (Unabridged) Audiobook

Other Purchase Options and Book Formats

Other Audiobooks By W. Somerset Maugham

Of Human Bondage, Volume 1 (Unabridged)

Of Human Bondage, Volume 2 (Unabridged)

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 3 (Unabridged)

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 2 (Unabridged)

Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham, Volume 1 (Unabridged)

Of Human Bondage (Unabridged)

About

Audio Connoisseur presents The Summing Up audiobook in a downloadable format. This book was written by W. Somerset Maugham and narrated by Charlton Griffin.

This version of The Summing Up audiobook is published in an unabridged format. That means that this is complete narration of the written book.

Compare to other audiobooks?

Category	This Audiobook	Average Author	Percent of Average
Rating	83 Points	74 Points	112%
Price	$30.80	$18	171%
Minutes	549	355	155%

About the Author

Category	W. Somerset Maugham	Average Author	Percent of Average
Rating	77 Points	74 Points	104%
Price	$20.10	$18	112%
Minutes	468	355	132%

Reviews and Tweets

Chad from Brentwood, TN said on Goodreads:

I've read some decent how to write books since college. On hopes and dreams, "if I could do anything and do it well, I'd write a novel." This is the greatest "how to" I've ever read. It's interesting, cunning and historical.

Greg from The United States said on Goodreads:

I thought it started well, but I was bored by the end. Ironic.

J. Joan from 10001, Hong Kong said on Goodreads:

A couple of golden nuggets in this quasi-autobiographical super-essay, but also lots of boring blather on how to write. I love Maugham still, and this book will definitely supplement anyone's love for Maugham or his writings, but I did find it tedious to read at times.

Vera from said on Goodreads:

Greatly amusing!

Susan from The United States said on Goodreads:

Recommended by Dad

Saket from NEW DELHI, DELHI, India said on Goodreads:

A great book, as one would expect from Maugham, must read for people wanting to do serious writing. The book illustrates the seriousness and dedication with which Maugham pursued writing.

Glen from Minneapolis, MN said on Goodreads:

Now let me begin by admitting that I will give five stars to almost everything this man wrote. But I do believe this book is one for his fans. I think you have to be into Mr. Maugham's style to truly enjoy all the wisdom and insight he offers here.

Erika from Miami, FL said on Goodreads:

writing grp pick

Dottie from Villa Park, CA said on Goodreads:

WSMaugham is one of my author obssessions. This one is epecially poignant.

Gina from New York, NY said on Goodreads:

reading it again because it's so good. My NYC library is small as I have no space. The last 3 books i read were so tired i had to pick this up again for inspiration!

Summary

William Somerset Maugham (1874Ã¯Â¿Â¿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.