Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham | Witty Satirical Novel

Cover image of the "Cakes and Ale" ebook by Casa Carlini, featuring a vintage-style illustration and classic typography.

$9.99

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING
Buying direct from Casa Carlini means more of your purchase goes toward the work of an independent publisher—helping make future editions possible.

Behind every literary legend lies a far more complicated human story.

In Cakes and Ale, W. Somerset Maugham delivers one of the wittiest and most insightful novels ever written about the literary world. When novelist William Ashenden is asked to help write the official biography of the late literary giant Edward Driffield, he discovers that the truth is far messier than the polished image others wish to preserve. Through memories of Driffield and his captivating first wife, Rosie, Ashenden uncovers a world of ambition, hypocrisy, romance, and artistic integrity. With sharp satire and profound understanding of human nature, Maugham explores the tension between reputation and reality, exposing the vanities of fame while celebrating authenticity, generosity, and the joy of living.

First published in 1930
Widely regarded as one of Maugham's finest novels
A brilliant satire of literary society and the pursuit of artistic truth

Available in multiple formats:

Paperback — Elegant print edition presenting the complete, unabridged text. Ships in 3–5 business days.
Hardcover — Elegant print edition presenting the complete, unabridged text. Ships in 5–7 business days.
EPUB — DRM-free, compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers. Instant download after purchase.
Audiobook — Professionally narrated, complete, and unabridged. Available on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books.

A sparkling, perceptive novel that peels back the myths of literary fame to reveal the enduring value of honesty, kindness, and the art of living well.

About the Author

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was an English novelist, playwright, and short-story writer whose elegant style and penetrating observations of human nature made him one of the most widely read authors of the twentieth century. Best known for works including Of Human Bondage, The Painted Veil, The Razor's Edge, Ashenden, and Cakes and Ale, Maugham combined psychological depth with masterful storytelling. His novels and stories continue to captivate readers with their wit, realism, and timeless insight into the complexities of human character.