Orientations

Exotic lands. Moral dilemmas. Human folly laid bare with razor-sharp wit.

In this early collection of six short stories, W. Somerset Maugham demonstrates the keen psychological insight and elegant prose that would later make him one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th century. Orientations (first published in 1899) takes readers to distant corners of Spain, Italy, and beyond, exploring themes of honor, friendship, faith, desire, and the often ironic clash between ideals and reality.

From the punctilious Spanish nobleman in “The Punctiliousness of Don Sebastian” to the moral complexities of “A Bad Example,” the tender yet flawed bonds in “De Amicitia,” and the quiet struggles of belief and choice in “Faith” and “The Choice of Amyntas,” Maugham reveals his emerging mastery in capturing the contradictions of human nature. These tales blend romantic settings with unflinching realism, irony, and a subtle cynicism that foreshadows the author’s later masterpieces.

Written when Maugham was still in his twenties, Orientations offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of a literary giant. The stories are rich in atmosphere, psychological depth, and social observation—hallmarks of Maugham’s enduring style.

• First published in 1899
• Maugham’s second book and first collection of short stories
• Features six tales including “The Punctiliousness of Don Sebastian,” “De Amicitia,” “Faith,” and “The Choice of Amyntas”

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Elegant print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text, ideal for your bookshelf.
• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.
• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, perfect for immersive listening.

A beautifully crafted collection for your shelf, your device, or your travels, or the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates masterful short fiction and the elegant ironies of human life.

About the Author

W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer, regarded as one of the greatest storytellers of his era. A master of lucid, witty prose and penetrating character studies, his works—including Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, and the short story collections The Trembling of a Leaf and Ashenden—have delighted readers for over a century. Though trained as a doctor, Maugham found his true calling in literature, drawing from his extensive travels and keen observations of society to create timeless tales of love, adventure, and the human condition.