Three Plays for Puritans (Bernard Shaw Library) [Paperback]

George Bernard Shaw (Author), Dan H. Laurence (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Bernard Shaw Library | Publication Date: January 2, 2001

Shaw believed that theatre audiences of the 1890s deserved more than the hollow spectacle and sham he saw displayed on the London stage. But he also recognized that people wanted to be entertained while educated, and to see purpose mixed with pleasure. In these three plays of ideas, Shaw employed traditional dramatic forms - Victorian melodrama, the history play and the adventure story - to turn received wisdom upside down. Set during the American War of Independence, "The Devil's Disciple" exposes fake Puritanism and piety, while "Caesar and Cleopatra", a cheeky riposte to Shakespeare, redefines heroism in the character of the ageing Roman leader. And in Captain Brassbound's "Conversion", an expedition in Morocco is saved from disaster by a lady explorer's skilful manipulation of the truth.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dublin-born George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an active Socialist and a brilliant platform speaker. He was strongly critical of London theatre and closely associated with the intellectual revival of British drama. Dan H. Laurence (series editor) has edited Shaw's Collected Letters and Collected Plays with their Prefaces. He was Literary Advisor to the Shaw Estate until his retirement in 1990. Michael Billington (introducer) has been Drama Critic of the Guardian since 1971.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (January 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140437924
• ISBN-13: 978-0140437928
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,985,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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