George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist who was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland, and passed away on November 2, 1950, in Ayot St Lawrence, England. Shaw is best known for his wit, social commentary, and his exploration of controversial topics through his plays.
Shaw’s works often tackled themes of social inequality, class struggle, and the flaws of capitalism. He was associated with the literary style of realism, using his plays as a platform to criticize societal norms and challenge conventional thinking. Shaw’s writing was characterized by sharp wit, clever dialogue, and a satirical approach to his subjects.
One of Shaw’s most influential works is “Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue,” written in 1923. This play explores the life of Joan of Arc, the French military leader and martyr. Shaw presents Joan as a complex and heroic figure, challenging the traditional portrayal of her as a saint. Through this play, Shaw delves into themes of faith, power, and the role of women in society.
George Bernard Shaw was a prolific playwright who used his works to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. His wit, social commentary, and exploration of controversial topics continue to make his plays relevant and influential in the world of literature.
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1980: Plays Pleasant: Arms and the Man, Candida, The Man of Destiny, You Never Can Tell, by Bernard Shaw
$25.00This collection of plays by Bernard Shaw, published in 1980, includes some of his most well-known works such as Arms and the Man, Candida, The Man of Destiny, and You Never Can Tell. Each play offers a unique perspective on societal norms and expectations, with themes ranging from love and marriage to war and politics. This edition is a great addition to any theatre enthusiast’s collection.
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1924 – Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue, by Bernard Shaw
$65.00Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue is a historical play written by Bernard Shaw. Published by Doodd, Mead & Company in New York in 1924, this seventeenth printing edition is a valuable addition to any theater enthusiast’s collection. The hardcover volume is bound in green cloth and shows some minor wear and rubbing on the cover and spine. However, the book is well bound with no writing or markings. Due to its age, there is some fading and yellowing to the pages, but this does not detract from the overall readability. With its deckled fore-edges, this book is in very good condition for its age.
Shaw’s play explores the life of Joan of Arc, delving into themes of faith, power, and gender roles in medieval society.
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1927-29 2 volumes: Three Plays for Puritans, and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, part of Plays by Bernard Shaw series
$65.00The two-volume set, Three Plays for Puritans and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, is a collection of plays that showcase Shaw’s wit and social commentary. Three Plays for Puritans includes The Devil’s Disciple, Caesar and Cleopatra, and Captain Brassbound’s Conversion, each exploring themes of morality, religion, and politics through Shaw’s signature satirical lens. In Saint Joan, Shaw tells the story of Joan of Arc and her trial and execution, using the historical figure to comment on issues of power and authority.
The blue softcover “leatherette” books are adorned with gilt lettering and ornamentation, though they show some wear and rubbing around the tops and bottoms of the spines. The pages have yellowed with age, but the set includes a newspaper/magazine clipping from 1924 and an inset vintage portrait of Shaw. Both volumes are signed in old faded ink on the inside covers, adding to the historical significance of this collection.
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1957: Pygmalion, a romance in five acts, by Bernard Shaw
$35.00Pygmalion is a play written by Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. The story follows the transformation of a Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle into a refined and elegant lady through the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. The play explores themes of class, gender, and identity, as Eliza struggles to navigate her new life and the expectations placed upon her. Pygmalion is a witty and insightful commentary on social hierarchy and the power of language to shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.
This vintage edition of Pygmalion, published in 1957, features an introduction and notes by A.C. Ward. The green and white hardcover cloth volume is well-preserved, with no markings or writing.