The Verger

The Verger: short story by W Somerset MaughamThis story by W Somerset Maugham is about man named Albert who has worked hard as a church official for 16 years. When a new vicar learns Albert cannot read or write, he tells him that he must leave the job. Rather than go home immediately, Albert walks the streets trying to think of what he can do. During the walk, he decides to open a business. He soon proves that you don’t need a good education to be a success. All you need is the ability to think creatively, and the courage to back your ideas.

Video Version

This is a segment from the 1950 movie ‘Trio’, which featured three of Maugham’s short stories. The introduction to the story is by Maugham himself. It is interesting to note that Maugham also participated in writing the screenplay for the film. Watch and enjoy!

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6 thoughts on “The Verger”

  1. I own a collection of stories written by William Somerset Maugham in German. The Verger is definitely in this collection (“Der Kirchendiener” in German).

  2. This is my favorite story in the English language. A simple but virtuous man turns adversity into triumph. Well done.
    Wade

  3. I have always understood that this story,”The Verger”, is by O. Henry. Can you explain this, please ? I’d be very grateful as I have been puzzling over this for some time.
    Thank you, in anticipation.
    Alexandra Bruce.

    1. Thank you for the question, Alexandra. The Verger is definitely by Maugham, and to my knowledge O. Henry (Porter) did not write any stories with this name. The writing styles of Maugham and Porter share similar characteristics (use of irony and surprise endings) and are often compared. It may be that you associate O. Henry with The Verger through such a comparison.

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