Ashenden

By the time the First World War started in 1914 Maugham had achieved fame as a writer and had the ideal pretext for relocating to Switzerland. He spoke several languages and was well-versed in several European nations when the Secret Service sent him to Lucerne to finish a play. A task that appealed to both his romantic and absurdist sides was one that was dramatic and dangerous.A collection of tales inspired by Maugham's own experiences as an agent evoking the brutality and ruthlessness of espionage as well as its intrigue betrayal and absurdity.