The Razor's Edge

In 'The Razor's Edge', W. Somerset Maugham guides us through the existential journey of Larry Darrell, a disillusioned World War I veteran seeking meaning beyond societal conventions. As he traverses through life in search of enlightenment, the novel paints a vivid picture of 1920s Paris, weaving in the lives of a diverse set of characters who embody contrasting philosophies. From the allure of wealth and materialism to the spirituality found in the East, Larry's quest challenges the reader's understanding of fulfillment and purpose. Maugham's keen observations invite us to question the sacrifices we make for happiness. Will Larry find the answers he seeks, or is the path to enlightenment a perilous razor's edge?

By W. Somerset Maugham

Published: 2003

The Razor's EdgeBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

What I Talk About When I Talk About RunningBook binding

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Haruki Murakami

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

12 Rules for LifeBook binding

12 Rules for Life

Jordan B. Peterson

21 Lessons for the 21st CenturyBook binding

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari

The Big PictureBook binding

The Big Picture

Sean Carroll

The Dharma BumsBook binding

The Dharma Bums

Jack Kerouac

The Denial of DeathBook binding

The Denial of Death

Ernest Becker

The Tao of Pooh and the Te of PigletBook binding

The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet

Benjamin Hoff

What Is Zen?Book binding

What Is Zen?

Norman Fischer, Susan Moon

A History of GodBook binding

A History of God

Karen Armstrong

Conversations with God, Books 2 & 3Book binding

Conversations with God, Books 2 & 3

Walsch, Neale Donald

The Philosophy of Andy WarholBook binding

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol

The Joyous CosmologyBook binding

The Joyous Cosmology

Alan Watts

A Room of One's OwnBook binding

A Room of One's Own

Virginia Woolf

The Rings of SaturnBook binding

The Rings of Saturn

Winfried Georg Sebald

Notes on the CinematographBook binding

Notes on the Cinematograph

Robert Bresson

The Rig VedaBook binding

The Rig Veda

ArcadiaBook binding

Arcadia

Tom Stoppard

The StrangerBook binding

The Stranger

Albert Camus

Way of the Peaceful WarriorBook binding

Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Dan Millman

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like LincolnBook binding

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln

James C. Humes

The Mind-Body ProblemBook binding

The Mind-Body Problem

Jonathan Westphal

Confessions of a PhilosopherBook binding

Confessions of a Philosopher

Bryan Magee

Zorba the GreekBook binding

Zorba the Greek

Nikos Kazantzakis

36 Arguments for the Existence of GodBook binding

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

Rebecca Goldstein

The UpanishadsBook binding

The Upanishads

Eknath Easwaran

A Collection of EssaysBook binding

A Collection of Essays

George Orwell

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

What It TakesBook binding

What It Takes

Richard Ben Cramer

A Primer for ForgettingBook binding

A Primer for Forgetting

Lewis Hyde

Book Collections you might like →

Jordan Hughes's Book Recommendations

Jordan Hughes's Book Recommendations

Jordan Hughes is a celebrated author known for their compelling narratives and richly developed characters. Their debut novel, "Echoes of Tomorrow," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, marking a significant milestone in contemporary fiction. Hughes's work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human condition, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. In addition to their novels, Hughes has contributed thought-provoking essays to major literary journals, further solidifying their influence in the literary world. Their innovative storytelling continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

View Collection
Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.

View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Gwyneth Paltrow's Book Recommendations

Gwyneth Paltrow's Book Recommendations

Gwyneth Paltrow is an acclaimed actress and entrepreneur, best known for her roles in films such as "Shakespeare in Love," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Beyond her acting career, she is a celebrated author and wellness guru, founding the lifestyle brand Goop in 2008. Paltrow has authored several best-selling cookbooks, including "My Father's Daughter" and "It's All Good," which emphasize healthy living and nutritious recipes. Her work in literature has significantly contributed to the wellness and lifestyle genres, inspiring many to pursue healthier lifestyles. Paltrow continues to influence the wellness industry through her writing and entrepreneurial endeavors.

View Collection
Ed Cooke's Book Recommendations

Ed Cooke's Book Recommendations

Ed Cooke is a renowned British author and memory expert, best known for his book "Remember, Remember: Learn the Stuff You Thought You Never Could." A Grand Master of Memory, Cooke co-founded Memrise, a popular language learning app that utilizes mnemonic techniques to enhance memory retention. He has contributed significantly to the literature on memory improvement, blending scientific insights with practical advice. Cooke's work has been influential in both educational and cognitive science communities, helping countless individuals improve their learning capabilities. His engaging writing style and innovative methods have made complex memory concepts accessible to a broad audience.

View Collection
Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations

Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations

Aaron Rodgers is a renowned American football quarterback, widely recognized for his exceptional career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Although his primary acclaim comes from sports, Rodgers has contributed to literature through insightful writings and interviews that offer a deep dive into the mindset of a professional athlete. His thoughtful perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth have resonated with readers beyond the sports community. Rodgers’ contributions have been featured in various sports and lifestyle publications, adding a unique voice to the literary world. His ability to articulate the nuances of his experiences has made him a respected figure in both athletic and literary circles.

View Collection
Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski is a renowned model, actress, and author, who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through her work in fashion and film. She made a significant literary contribution with her debut book, "My Body," published in 2021, which explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid examination of her experiences in the public eye. Ratajkowski's writing has been praised for its depth and honesty, shedding light on the complexities of body politics and personal agency. Beyond her literary endeavors, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.

View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.

View Collection
Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand is an influential American writer, best known for founding the Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that became a cornerstone of the counter-culture movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His pioneering work in promoting environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency has had a lasting impact on both literature and society. Brand is also a co-founder of The WELL, an early online community that predated the widespread use of the internet and helped shape the development of digital culture. He has authored several significant books, including "The Media Lab" and "Whole Earth Discipline," which explore technology's role in environmental and societal issues. Brand's contributions continue to influence contemporary discussions on ecology, technology, and community building.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions