William Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965) was an English novelist, playwright, and short story writer. Born in Paris, Maugham was orphaned at 10 and sent to live in England with his uncle, a vicar. He studied at the University of Heidelberg and at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. At his family's suggestion, he earned a medical degree, but chose instead to pursue a literary career.

Maugham was married for ten years to Syrie Wellcome. He worked for British Intelligence during World War I, and during this time he met Gerald Haxton, who became Maugham's lover and companion. After Haxton's death in 1944, Maugham lived with Alan Searle. He travelled widely, and his success as an author allowed him to live in grand style.

Maugham's best known novel is the semi-autobiographical Of Human Bondage (1915). Other well known works include The Moon and the Sixpence (1919), Ashenden, Or, The British Agent (1928), Cakes and Ale (1930), and The Razor's Edge (1944). Maugham wrote in the style of the 19th century realists, which put him at odds with the Modernist movement of the early 20th century.