The Magician 1909 is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Controversial for its portrayal of infidelity and occult ritual The Magician was instrumental in establishing Maughams reputation as a leading author of the late Victorian era. Inspired by stories of Aleister Crowley an influential occultist and magician Maugham crafted a masterpiece of fantasy fiction that would inspire Crowley himself to write a hit piece for Vanity Fair erroneously accusing the novelist of plagiarism. Arthur Burdon has everything he could ever want. A successful career as a surgeon financial stability a beautiful young fianceeverything. On a trip to Paris to visit Margaret who is studying to be an artist he meets a man named Oliver Haddo a magician and acquaintance of Burdons teacher Dr. Porhot. Although Arthur his fiance and their friends are initially impressed with Haddos magic tricks things soon take a strange turn when Margaret elopes with the mysterious magician. Distraught Arthur retreats from life to dedicate himself to his work at the hospital. When Oliver and Margaret show up at a party in London however Arthur becomes convinced that his exlover is being held against her will. The Magician is a sinister tale of desire disappointment and the occult by a master stylist with a keen sense of the complications inherent to human nature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of W. Somerset Maughams The Magician is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.