George Bernard Shaw in Context

This collection historicises the life and works of George Bernard Shaw through the lens of forty-two popular subjects of study.

Setting George Bernard Shaw's life and work in the dynamic times in which he lived, this collection of forty-two essays on a wide range of themes provides new directions for future research. Contributors reveal the subjects that defined Shaw's life and work, from theatre and music to politics and philosophy.When George Bernard Shaw died in 1950, the world lost one of its most well-known authors, a revolutionary who was as renowned for his personality as he was for his humour, humanity, and rebellious thinking. He remains a compelling figure who deserves attention not only for how influential he was in his time, but for how relevant he is to ours. This collection sets Shaw's life and achievements in context, with forty-two scholarly essays devoted to subjects that interested him and defined his work. Contributors explore a wide range of themes, moving from factors that were formative in Shaw's life, to the artistic work that made him most famous and the institutions with which he worked, to the political and social issues that consumed much of his attention, and, finally, to his influence and reception. Presenting fresh material and arguments, this collection will point to new directions of research for future scholars.