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Vintage Maugham

The definitive selection of Maugham's best short stories have been gorgeously rejacketed in a new series style.Currently on prominent display at all major UK book retailers, most of these colourful, stylish illustrations have been sourced from Bridgeman. 

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Woman with a Fan, 1922 (w/c on paper), Etienne Adrien  Drian (1885-1961) / Private Collection / © DACS  /
Woman with a Fan, 1922 (w/c on paper), Etienne Adrien Drian (1885-1961) / Private Collection / © DACS /

 

William Somerset Maugham was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer, hugely successful for his biting descriptions of the social milieu in Paris, the Riviera, and London in the Edwardian era.

Lily Richards from Random House explains that the previous covers for Maugham, featuring b/w photography, were looking a little tired and that they were looking for a striking set of colourful designs that would work together across many titles as Maugham was such a prolific writer.   

Since the subject matter largely concentrates on the foibles of high society, fashion plate inspired illustration from the era was chosen as a theme.

"A fantastic resource for fashion illustraton & art deco designs"

Over ten of the covers feature images sourced from the Bridgeman archive. Lily has since reported that they have been an enormous success, boldly standing out amongst the book displays and catching the eye of the trade press, leading to increased sales for the author's work.

Images selected include works by George Barbier (1882 - 1932), one of the great French illustrators of the early 20th century. In the mid 1920s he worked with Erté to design sets and costumes for the Folies Bergère and regularly illustrated books.

View all the tiles in the Vintage Maugham range


Click on the links to see the images for each title:

‘The Narrow Corner’ / CHT 164161
‘Catalina’ / STC 133214
On a Chinese Screen’ / STC 133206
The Gentlemen in the Parlour’ / HIS 316335
The Painted Veil’ / NUL 168637
‘Mrs Gaddock’ / BOO 183468
‘The Magician’ / SNG 126610
Up at the Villa’ / HTL 94063
‘Far Eastern Tales’ / STC 91317
‘More Far Eastern Tales’ / STC 91317
 

 

Vintage Maughum display at Waterstones bookshop, London, UK
Vintage Maughum display at Waterstones bookshop, London, UK

 

Related Content

Bridgeman Images was delighted to sit down with Tim Green, Creative Director of Faceout Studio, to discuss his creative process and for a deeper dive into the inspiration for some of his cover designs.
Bridgeman Images was delighted to speak to Myunghee Kwon, a book cover designer who has frequently utilized images sourced from the Bridgeman archive.
Bridgeman Images is pleased to meet Stephen Brayda, Art Director for HarperVia, Amistad Books, and HarperEspañol of HarperCollins Publishers, for an interview.