In the collection “Ashenden, or the British Agent,” Somerset Maugham appears as the author of political detective stories, which are based on personal experience of “his majesty’s secret service.” World War I. Thousands of soldiers are dying on the fronts. And far in the rear there is another war going on - a secret, undeclared confrontation between European intelligence services. No less danger awaits here, and the game with death is much subtler and more sophisticated. After all, the main weapon of a secret agent is his mind and reaction speed... Sketches “On a Chinese Screen” are a motley kaleidoscope of fascinating stories about life in the East. These witty notes reveal the full depth of the mysterious Chinese civilization: there is a place here for lost places on the great Yangtze River, an unusual colorful culture, and a subtle oriental mentality.