The Magician

by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham

"The Magician" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1908. When renowned surgeon Arthur Burdon visits Paris to see his fiancée Margaret, he encounters Oliver Haddo, a mysterious figure claiming to possess magical powers. After Haddo seduces and marries Margaret, Arthur must confront the sinister magician's true intentions. Based on Maugham's real-life encounter with occultist Aleister Crowley, this tale of supernatural manipulation explores the dangerous intersection of forbidden knowledge and human ambition.