The Bishop's Apron: A study in the origins of a great family: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Bishop's Apron: A study in the origins of a great family: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Bishop's Apron: A study in the origins of a great family is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset) (1874–1965).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Bishop's Apron: A Study in the Origins of a Great Family" by W. Somerset Maugham is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the family dynamics and ambitions of the Spratte family, particularly focusing on Canon Theodore Spratte as he aspires for a bishopric while balancing his relationships with his brother, Lord Spratte, and his children, especially Winnie, who is navigating her feelings towards a young socialist named Bertram Railing. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the Spratte family through a scene that takes place during a luncheon. The atmosphere is light yet filled with banter as Canon Spratte discusses the potential for a bishopric following the recent death of a bishop. We get a glimpse into the characters’ personalities, such as the pompous and self-assured Canon Spratte and the lively Lord Spratte, who juxtaposes the seriousness of their lineage with humor. The dialogue hints at the power struggles and social aspirations entwined with the family's history while setting up the familial and societal expectations that will drive the plot forward. The opening establishes a foundation of themes that include ambition, family loyalty, and social class, all of which are expressed through Maugham's witty characterizations and sharp observations.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Bishop's Apron: A study in the origins of a great family
- Author credits: Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset) (1874–1965)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Clergy -- England -- Fiction
- England -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
- Families -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


