The Magician

A sinister sorcerer. Forbidden desires. The dark allure of the occult.

In W. Somerset Maugham’s chilling and atmospheric novel, a young Englishwoman named Margaret is drawn into the hypnotic orbit of Oliver Haddo, a larger-than-life magician and occultist with unsettling powers and a commanding presence. Set in the bohemian world of early 20th-century Paris, the story unfolds as Haddo exerts a dangerous influence over Margaret and those around her, blending seduction, psychological manipulation, and hints of genuine supernatural force.

Inspired by Maugham’s real-life encounter with Aleister Crowley, The Magician (1908) explores themes of ambition, evil, the boundaries between science and sorcery, and the destructive power of unchecked desire. With vivid prose, mounting tension, and Maugham’s signature psychological insight, the novel delivers a compelling mix of horror, romance, and social satire that foreshadows the darker currents of 20th-century literature.

• First published in 1908
• Loosely based on the notorious occultist Aleister Crowley
• One of Maugham’s most unusual and gripping early novels

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 darkly fascinating read for fans of gothic fiction, psychological thrillers, and Maugham’s masterful storytelling, or the perfect gift for anyone intrigued by the shadowy intersection of magic and human nature.

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, Cakes and Ale, 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.