Somerset Maugham Appraisal

The Complete Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham (Doubleday & Company Edition)

This is a vintage hardcover edition of 'The Complete Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham,' published by Doubleday & Company, Inc. The book features a dark, possibly black or dark blue, cloth or textured paper binding. The front cover is inset with a rectangular teal or sage-green label framed by a double-ruled white or cream border. The title and author's name are printed in a serif font, complemented by Maugham’s signature 'Moorish' or 'Hand of Fatima' stylized symbol in white. The construction suggests a mid-20th-century publication, likely from the 1950s or 1960s. Regarding condition, the volume shows significant signs of shelf wear and use. There is noticeable fraying and bumping on all four corners, particularly the top-right, exposing the underlying cardboard. The edges of the binding appear worn, and the label shows minor fading and surface abrasions. The spine and interior pages are not fully visible, but based on the external wear, the binding likely has some loosening. This edition is a classic example of Doubleday's mid-century literary collections, characterized by functional and sturdy craftsmanship aimed at the general reader or book club market.