William Somerset Maugham was an English playwright, novelist, and short story writer, born on January 25, 1874, in Paris. He is best known for his works that explore human nature and the complexities of life, often drawing from his own experiences as a traveler and a medical student. Maugham's writing style is characterized by clarity and precision, making his stories accessible to a wide audience. His most famous works include Of Human Bondage, The Razor's Edge, and numerous short stories that often reflect themes of love, betrayal, and the search for meaning. Maugham's literary career spanned several decades, and he became one of the highest-paid authors of his time, passing away on December 16, 1965.