Somerset Maugham was described by TIME magazine at the time of his death in 1978 as "the most famous author in the world." Eighty million copies of his books had been sold, his plays were performed worldwide, his work had led to several good films, and 80 of his short stories had been adapted for television. At his famous home in Europe he employed one of the best cooks on the Riviera, dined on silver plates and entertained royalty.

He also was one of the unhappiest men to walk the planet. What was wrong with the great novelist and friend of kings? "Everything" he said. "My success means nothing to me...All I can think of now are my mistakes. I can think of nothing else but my foolishness...I wish I'd never written a single word. It's brought me nothing but misery." (1) For Somerset Maugham…