Author: W. Somerset Maugham
Binding: Hardback
Published: Heron Books, London

Condition:
Book: Fair
Jacket: No dust jacket - some marks on spine and corners
Pages: Tanning and foxing
Markings: No markings

This collection of short stories, Complete Works: Ashenden, chronicles the clandestine operations of a British secret agent during the tumultuous backdrop of World War I. Maugham masterfully uncovers the psychological toll and moral compromises inherent in the world of espionage, presenting a starkly realistic portrayal of intelligence work. The narrative maintains a detached yet incisive tone, illustrating the often-unheroic realities faced by those operating in the shadows. It details the intricate web of deception and danger, establishing a benchmark for the spy thriller genre that continues to resonate with readers.