The Maugham Obsession

The Maugham Obsession is a science fiction short story by August Derleth, written in the early 1950s. It follows Quintus Maugham, an inventor who becomes consumed by his quest to perfect a humanoid robot named Herman. As Herman develops increasingly human-like traits, Maugham's obsession leads to his social isolation and a blurring of the lines between creator and creation. The story culminates in a mysterious flood and an ironic twist that raises ethical questions about ambition and the consequences of playing God.