(Applause Books). "With the single exception of Homer, there is no eminent writer, not even Sir Walter Scott, whom I can despise so entirely as I despise Shakespeare when I measure my mind against his." - From SHAW ON SHAKESPEARE Celebrated playwright, critic and essayist George Bernard Shaw was more like the Elizabethan master that he would ever admit. Both men were intristic dramatists who shared a rich and abiding respect for the stage. Shakespeare was the produce of a tempestuous and enlightening era under the reign of his patron, Queen Elizabeth I; while G.B.S. reflected the racy and risque spirt of the late 19th century as the champion of modern drama by playwrights like Ibsen, and, later, himself. Culled from Shaw's reviews, prefaces, letters to actors and critics, and other writings, SHAW ON SHAKESPEARE offers a fascinating and unforgettable portrait of the 16th century playwright by his most outspoken critic. This is a witty and provocative classic that combines Shaw's prodigious critical acumen with a superlative prose style second to none (except, perhaps, Shakespeare!).

"The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" is a one-act play written by means of George Bernard Shaw. A departure from Shaw's more well-known works, this play is a humorous and satirical exploration of the mysterious parent from William Shakespeare's sonnets, regularly known as the "Dark Lady." Set in the early 17th century, the play opens with William Shakespeare himself, grappling with creator's block as he struggles to locate thought for his poetry. The plot takes an unexpected flip while the Dark Lady, the object of Shakespeare's poetic affections, turns out to be none other than Queen Elizabeth I. Shaw uses this revelation to weave a comedic narrative, injecting wit and smart speak into the interaction between the Bard and the Queen. The play satirizes Shakespeare's romantic entanglements and mocks the conventions of Elizabethan drama, all while imparting a lighthearted exploration of the complexities of love, reputation, and artistic idea. "The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" is a short and exciting work that showcases Shaw's wit and ability to playfully engage with ancient and literary topics. It offers a unique angle on the speculative components of Shakespeare's private lifestyles and relationships, including a hint of humor to the area of Elizabethan poetry and drama.

George Bernard Shaw demanded truth and despised convention. He punctured hollow pretensions and smug prudishness—coating his criticism with ingenious and irreverent wit. In Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Arms and the Man, Candida, and Man and Superman, the great playwright satirizes society, military heroism, marriage, and the pursuit of man by woman. From a social, literary, and theatrical standpoint, these four plays are among the foremost dramas of the age—as intellectually stimulating as they are thoroughly enjoyable. “My way of joking is to tell the truth: It is the funniest joke in the world.”—G. B. Shaw With an Introduction by Eric Bentley and an Afterword by Norman Lloyd

A collection of six short plays written by George Bernard Shaw.

This collection tells the life stories of the people whom we know Shakespeare encountered, shedding new light on Shakespeare's life and times.

In 1314, seventeen year old Pietro Alighieri travels to Verona with his father, the infamous poet Dante, at the invitation of its leader, the legendary Francesco “Cangrande” della Scala. A sneak attack from Padua leads Pietro into his first battle, fighting alongside the charismatic Cangrande, and into a tight friendship with Mariotto Montecchio and Antonio Capulletto. Behind the scenes, repeated attempts are made against the life of a child believed to be Cangrande’s illegitimate son and possible heir. Pietro is drawn into the web of intrigue around the child and the tension building between Mariotto and Antonio over a woman betrothed to one and in love with the other – a situation that will sever a friendship, divide a city, and ultimately lead to the events of the best known tragic romance in the world. Inspired by the plays of Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the events of history, The Master of Verona is a compelling novel of politics, loyalty, conspiracy and star-crossed romance.

Presents four plays by George Bernard Shaw, incuding "Mrs. Warren's Profession," "Pygmalion," "Man and Superman," and "Major Barbara," each with an explanatory annotation, and includes information on the author and his work, a chronology, and a selected bibliography.