Cakes and Ale

By W. Somerset Maugham | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

Cakes and Ale is a delicious satire of London literary society between the Wars. Social climber Alroy Kear is flattered when he is selected by Edward Driffield's wife to pen the official biography of her lionized novelist husband, and determined to write a bestseller. But then Kear discovers the great novelist's voluptuous muse (and unlikely first wife), Rosie. The lively, loving heroine once gave Driffield enough material to last a lifetime, but now her memory casts an embarrissing shadow over his career and respectable image.  Wise, witty, deeply satisfying, Cakes and Ale is Maugham at his best.

Editions of Cakes and Ale

Hardcover
ISBN 9780434456062
Paperback
ISBN 9780749304225
Paperback
ISBN 9780375725029
Paperback
ISBN 9780099282778
EBook
ISBN 9780771060199
EBook
ISBN 9780307816177

Read an Excerpt

Cakes and Ale is a delicious satire of London literary society between the Wars. Social climber Alroy Kear is flattered when he is selected by Edward Driffield's wife to pen the official biography of her lionized novelist husband, and determined to write a bestseller. But then Kear discovers the great novelist's voluptuous muse (and unlikely first wife), Rosie. The lively, loving heroine once gave Driffield enough material to last a lifetime, but now her memory casts an embarrissing shadow over his career and respectable image.  Wise, witty, deeply satisfying, Cakes and Ale is Maugham at his best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cakes and Ale about?

Cakes and Ale is a delicious satire of London literary society between the Wars. Social climber Alroy Kear is flattered when he is selected by Edward Driffield's wife to pen the official biography of her lionized novelist husband, and determined to write a bestseller. But then Kear discovers the great novelist's voluptuous muse (and unlikely first wife), Rosie. The lively, loving heroine once gave Driffield enough material to last a lifetime, but now her memory casts an embarrissing shadow over his career and respectable image.  Wise, witty, deeply satisfying, Cakes and Ale is Maugham at his best.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Cakes and Ale?

Fiction > Humorous fiction > Satirical fiction and parodies

Where can I read a sample of Cakes and Ale?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780434456062

Is Cakes and Ale part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Vintage International

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Cakes and Ale?

W. Somerset Maugham

Who is the Publisher of the book Cakes and Ale?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Cakes and Ale is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780434456062) and paperback(ISBN 9780749304225) and paperback(ISBN 9780375725029) and paperback(ISBN 9780099282778) and ebook(ISBN 9780771060199) and ebook(ISBN 9780307816177)

Where can I buy Cakes and Ale online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Cakes and Ale from below

Where can I buy Cakes and Ale?