This is a video created for the occasion of the 100th anniversary of W. Somerset Maugham’s most well-known book, Of Human Bondage.
It was first published on 12 August 1915 by Heinemann, in the midst of WWI. The reason why I release the video early instead of spending a few more months to collate information (this is the type of project that never ends) is because I cherish the hope that Google may decide to dedicate a Doodle for Maugham, which is sorely missed. Last year I submitted a request for Maugham’s 140th birthday, but it was overlooked even though the day was not occupied by another one.
I know, as one hears very often nowadays for everything, each day Google receives hundreds of requests, etc.
Nevertheless, I am hoping that if you like the video or if you like Maugham’s books, together we may persuade Google to make a Doodle for our author on 12 August.
Google accepts proposal at: proposals@google.com
Okay, plead aside.
This project was conceived eight months ago. I am fully aware of its defects and I have encountered many difficulties. However, I think I have succeeded in making my point: Of Human Bondage is still widely read and is being published every year somewhere in the world (except during the war years, 1916–1918 and 1941, 1921–1924, and 1926, but my cataloguing is by no means complete).
In a hundred years since the first publication of Of Human Bondage, it has been printed at least 494 times.
The video contains the publications with covers that I can locate and a list of the books of which I cannot find the reproduction of the cover.
On my blog ([ Ссылка ]) you will find a full list, which I hope to update as necessary, and a list of places from where I build my catalogue together with the foreign titles of Of Human Bondage.
Any correction or addition is more than welcomed.
Finally, the reason I choose today as deadline for my project is because it is also intended for commemorating Maugham’s birthday, 25 January 1874.
This video is a celebration for one who has given hours of pleasure and solace to many generations who have come after him, whom he never knew. Please do leave a comment if you like it.
