George Bernard Shaw

Easton Press George Bernard Shaw books

Pygmalion and Candida - The Collector's Library of Famous Editions - 1974

Two Plays For Puritans: The Devil's Disciple and Caesar and Cleopatra - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 1979
Man and Superman - 1990

Pygmalion and Candida - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 2004

Franklin Library George Bernard Shaw books

Four Plays by George Bernard Shaw - Greatest Books of the Twentieth Century - 1978
Three Plays by George Bernard Shaw - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1979

 

 

George Bernard Shaw biography

George Bernard Shaw, born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland, was a man of many talents whose wit, intellect, and unyielding social criticism left an indelible mark on literature, theater, and society at large. He was the son of George Carr Shaw, an unsuccessful corn merchant, and Lucinda Elizabeth Gurly, a professional singer. Shaw's early life was marked by financial struggle, but it was also a period of intellectual growth and self-education.

Shaw's career in writing began as a music and theater critic in London, where he sharpened his pen and developed his distinctive style. His literary ambitions soon led him to become a playwright, and he gained fame for his witty and socially provocative plays. Among his most famous works are Pygmalion, Man and Superman, and Saint Joan. Shaw's plays often challenged conventional morality and social norms, using humor and satire to expose hypocrisy and inequality.

Beyond his achievements as a playwright, Shaw was a passionate advocate for social reform. He was an outspoken socialist and a staunch supporter of women's rights, advocating for causes such as universal suffrage and equality in marriage and the workplace. His socialist beliefs were reflected in his plays and essays, which often critiqued capitalism and championed the rights of the working class. Shaw's influence extended beyond the stage and the page. He was a prominent public figure, known for his sharp wit and controversial opinions. His debates and lectures on politics, philosophy, and art attracted widespread attention and earned him both admirers and detractors. Despite his sometimes polarizing views, Shaw remained committed to his principles and never shied away from speaking his mind.

In 1925, Shaw was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contribution to the art of drama and his keen social commentary. Throughout his life, he continued to write prolifically, producing plays, essays, and criticism until his death on November 2, 1950, at the age of 94. George Bernard Shaw's legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire change. His works continue to be performed and studied around the world, and his ideas on politics, society, and morality remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Shaw's uncompromising commitment to truth and justice serves as an inspiration to writers, activists, and intellectuals everywhere, ensuring that his voice will echo through the ages.