{"product_id":"the-servant-valancourt-20th-century-classics-9781948405447","title":"The Servant (Valancourt 20th Century Classics)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Servant by Robin Maugham - A Dark Psychological Classic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this dark, haunting tale, Richard Merton recounts the story of his close friend, Tony, a young lawyer recently returned from the war, and the subtle, sinister destruction of his personality by his servant, Barrett. Seeking ease and comfort, Tony hires Barrett to cater to his needs, not realizing that his new servant has a hidden agenda. As Barrett gradually and insidiously leads his employer into physical and moral degradation, the roles of master and servant will become grotesquely reversed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout This Edition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRobin Maugham's modern classic \u003cem\u003eThe Servant\u003c\/em\u003e (1948) was hailed by \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e as 'a masterpiece of writing' and was adapted for a celebrated 1963 film version directed by Joseph Losey and scripted by Harold Pinter. This new edition includes a preface by Maugham from the 1973 edition explaining the origins of the novel and a new introduction by William Lawrence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A highly skilled portrait . . . succeeds as a horror story of considerable brightness and sharpness.' - \u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'It's shocking, brilliantly written, completely absorbing.' - \u003cem\u003eChicago Daily News\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'The story has a quiet and absolutely terrifying inevitability . . . reminiscent of Henry James himself.' - \u003cem\u003eNews Chronicle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'An exquisite work of art . . . a masterpiece of observation and craftsmanship.' - \u003cem\u003eSheffield Telegram\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'One of those little story gems you seldom come across these days ... a plausible picture of human collapse told with insight and considerable skill.' - \u003cem\u003eNew York World Telegram\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Valancourt 20th Century Classics edition presents Maugham's exploration of psychological manipulation and the reversal of social hierarchies. The narrative examines themes of control, dependency, and moral decay through the relationship between employer and servant. The novel's influence extends beyond literature, inspiring one of British cinema's most celebrated adaptations with a screenplay by renowned playwright Harold Pinter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valancourt Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50493309550866,"sku":"9781948405447","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_3e3cd09b-560f-4497-af6b-84bbc019a3e3.jpg?v=1730642939","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-servant-valancourt-20th-century-classics-9781948405447","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}