Escape From The Shadows is the 1972 autobiography of Robin Maugham, later the 2nd Viscount Maugham.

The title refers to three huge shadows over Maugham’s life: his famous father, Frederick Herbert Maugham

Frederic Maugham, 1st Viscount Maugham

Frederic Herbert Maugham, 1st Viscount Maugham PC, KC was a British lawyer and judge who served as Lord Chancellor from 1938 until 1939 despite having virtually no political career at all....

, his uncle, W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham , CH was an English playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and, reputedly, the highest paid author during the 1930s.-Childhood and education:...

, and his homosexuality.

The first part of the book concentrates on Maugham’s school days at Highfield House and Eton College

Eton College

Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....

. After his school days, Maugham lives predominantly as a homosexual with a preference for boys aged at least 16, including rent boys, and never engaging in sexual activities with under-age boys.