Hardcover Nonfiction

by William L. Shirer · Knopf

by Margaret Leech · Harper

by Clifton Fadiman · Simon & Schuster

by W. Somerset Maugham · Doubleday, Doran

"Of Human Bondage" – a profound and introspective novel by W. Somerset Maugham – is an extraordinary exploration of human vulnerability, personal transformation, and the complex landscape of emotional growth. The narrative follows Philip Carey, a young man born with a club foot, whose physical difference becomes a metaphorical lens through which he experiences life's profound challenges and internal struggles. Set against the backdrop of late Victorian and early Edwardian England, the novel transcends traditional storytelling by delving deep into the psychological mechanisms of human desire, suffering, and self-discovery. Philip's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of meaning – first through art, then medicine – as he navigates societal expectations, personal limitations, and the tumultuous landscape of human relationships. The most compelling aspect of the novel is Philip's complex relationship with Mildred Rogers, a character who embodies the destructive power of obsessive love. Their relationship becomes a pivotal exploration of emotional masochism, unrequited passion, and the human tendency to be drawn to that which ultimately causes pain. Mildred represents not just a romantic interest, but a profound psychological challenge that forces Philip to confront his own vulnerabilities and self-worth. Maugham's writing is remarkable for its unflinching psychological realism. He dissects human emotions with surgical precision, revealing the intricate motivations behind seemingly irrational behaviors. The novel is not just a story, but a philosophical investigation into the nature of human bondage – whether through physical limitations, societal constraints, or the invisible chains of emotional dependency. Philip's intellectual and emotional evolution is the true heart of the narrative. From a sensitive, somewhat naive young man to a more complex, nuanced individual, his transformation is gradual and deeply authentic. The novel brilliantly captures the universal experience of growing up – the painful process of understanding oneself, challenging inherited beliefs, and finding personal authenticity. The book's genius lies in its universal themes: the struggle for self-acceptance, the quest for meaning, the complexity of human relationships, and the ongoing negotiation between individual desires and societal expectations. Maugham creates a protagonist who is simultaneously specific and universal, allowing readers to see themselves in Philip's struggles and triumphs. "Of Human Bondage" remains a timeless masterpiece, offering profound insights into the human condition. It challenges readers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes, societal constraints, and the complex mechanisms of personal growth. More than a novel, it is a deep psychological exploration that continues to resonate with generations of readers.

by Leland Stowe · Knopf

"The essential story of my experiences as a war correspondent since September 1939"--Acknowledgments

by H. Allen Smith · Doubleday, Doran

H Allen Smith has sometimes been referred to as "the best-selling humorist since Mark Twain". Considering that he wrote against the likes of James Thurber, Robert Benchley, and S. J. Perelman, that's quite a statement. And probably true. He sold a million copies of each of his first several books, starting with Low Man on a Totem Pole. In this book, which might be called a fraction of his memoirs (Mr. Smith claimed he could have filled twenty), he recounts the high points of his life amid the human race -- a race he appreciated and observed with a keen nose for the humor hiding in the most unexpected places. Here is a panorama of unlikely people who really existed, of inconceivable things that actually happened, of the commonplace rarities of our frenzied epoch. Among others, there is the newspaperman who suffered under the delusion that Herbert Hoover had bladders on his feet: the man who thoughtfully and perpetually bounced turtle eggs on a bar: a deaf dentist who trained his dog to act as his receptionist; a child prodigy who couldn't talk any too well, but appeared to know more about swing music than the head usher at the Paramount Theater -- all these are part of Mr. Smith's life and times.