Magician (Version 2)

The Magician, written by W. Somerset Maugham and published in 1908, follows Oliver Haddo, a magician who attempts to create life and seduces his friend Arthur's fiancée, Margaret. After a confrontation with Arthur, Haddo takes Margaret to Italy, while Arthur grapples with his feelings for her and his friendship with Susie, Margaret's former roommate. The novel explores themes of obsession and manipulation, and it faced accusations of plagiarism from Aleister Crowley upon its release. It was revised and re-published in 1909 and adapted into a film in 1926.