William Somerset Maugham, a renowned playwright, novelist, and essayist, died on December 16th, 1965 at age 91. Born in 1874, Maugham was one of the most popular among British and American writers. He authored over 80 works including novels, plays, poems, travel writings, and short stories. His works were adapted by many films and plays with his most successful novels being Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, The Razor's Edge, and Cakes and Ale. He was a master of storytelling, described as an "artist of life" in many reviews. In addition to being a prolific writer, Maugham was an accomplished painter, serving as the official war artist during World War I. The genius and wit of Maugham's work have been honored for decades. In 1947, he was presented with the James Joyce Award and in 1957 he was honored at the World Congress of Authors at Brussels. As one of the most successful British writers of the 20th century, Maugham's memory is sure to live on.