William or W. Somerset Maugham was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author during the 1930s.

Maugham achieved fame with his play, Lady Frederick, a comedy about money and marriage (Darkhorse Theatre). Notable Broadway works include Jack Straw and Smith (Empire Theatre), Our Betters (Hudson Theatre), Too Many Husbands (Booth Theatre), The Circle (Selwyn Theatre), East Of Suez (42nd Street Theatre), Rain and The Constant Wife (Maxine Elliott's Theatre), The Letter (Morosco Theatre), Our Betters (Hudson Theatre), and Jane (Coronet Theatre).

During the war, Maugham's best-known novel Of Human Bondage was published. This was followed by another successful book The Moon and Sixpence. Maugham also wrote an autobiography Summing Up, and other works of fiction The Razor's Edge, Catalina, and Quartet.