September 03, 2004
From the desk of Mindles H. Dreck:Maugham's Templeton on marriage
Over vacation a few weeks ago I read The Razor's Edge. My favorite quote, from the snobby American-turned Euro Elliott Templeton:
"Marriage is a serious matter on which rest the security of the family and the stability of the state. But marriage can only maintain its authority if extraconjugal relations are not only tolerated but sanctioned. Prostitution, my poor Louisa-"
There's also a wonderful passage (reflecting the author-as-character's opinion, not that of the other characters) on the optimism of Americans, but I can't find it. Why isn't this book on line yet?
Posted by Mindles H. Dreck at September 3, 2004 05:38 PM | TrackBack | Technorati inbound linksYou ask, "Why isn't this book on line yet?"
Because it was published in 1944 and will not pass into the public domain until after we're dead. You're welcome.
Cheers!
Posted by: AnonymousCoward on September 3, 2004 06:54 PMI noticed the The Moon and Sixpence is on line in several places.
Now that I look, I guess that is because the copyright is 1919.
Posted by: "Mindles H. Dreck" on September 4, 2004 09:29 AMI love The Razors Edge if only for the fact it is perfectly post-modern. Have you seen the movie? It has ... get this ... Billy Murry as Larry!! I kid you not. His one and only attempt at 'serious' acting. I liked the movie because he was in it, but the script was deplorable.
Posted by: Sharon Ferguson on September 4, 2004 08:43 PMI recommend all of the Mr Maugham's work. His short stories, particularly one called "Rain", are classics that, for me, rank right up there with Chekhov.
They aren't easy to find, however, you'll have to hit the used book stores and ABEBooks.com and such to find them.
Posted by: Rob on September 7, 2004 04:08 PMRe: The Razor's Edge
I don't have my copy handy, but I believe the quote you are looking for can be found at the end of the book, upon Larry's return to the US to drive a cab in NY, where he runs into Maugham.
It is a great quote. very Adam Smith, in a way, if my memory is correct.
Posted by: ts garp on September 8, 2004 02:30 PMComments are Closed.