The Magician

Inspired by the real-life occultist Aleister Crowley, this early 20th-century novel blends fantasy with psychological depth. Maugham explores themes of manipulation, the nature of reality, and the allure of the supernatural through a narrative that delves into the complexities of human desires and fears. The story features characters entangled in a web of mysticism and moral ambiguity, reflecting the tensions of the era and the fascination with the occult.