Maugham, Somerset

The Moon And Sixpence

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New York George H. Doran 1919 First US Edition 8vo. Finely bound by the Bayntun-Riviere bindery in full blue morocco, spine lettered and dated in gilt, endleaves of blue and gold Japanese paper, all edges gilt. Inspired by the turbulent life of the painter, Paul Gauguin, "The Moon And Sixpence" examines the nature of creative genius. It tells the story of Charles Strickland, a London stockbroker who abandons his wife and children to become an artist in Paris. Scorning all human relations, Strickland is wholly consumed by his artistic vision. "The emotions common to most of us simply did not exist in him and it was as absurd to blame him for not feeling them as for blaming the tiger because he is fierce...he was at once too great and too small for love." After facing poverty and ridicule in Paris, he eventually finds a kind of peace and personal salvation in Tahiti. George Sanders gave a riveting performance as Strickland in the 1942 film version.

• GBP 495.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 2492

• bookseller: George Bayntun (GREAT BRITAIN)