Bernard Shaw’s Irish Outlook

“Writing in a fluent and reader-friendly critical style, Clare conducts a thorough and well-constructed study of the Shavian works, drawing attention to some of the lesser known pieces as well. The book is an exemplary source of motivation for exploring plays not discussed here through Shaw’s inimitable Irish outlook. With this monograph David Clare undeniably contributes to the re-canonisation of George Bernard Shaw — not only as an Irish-born but also as a genuinely Irish dramatist.” (Bence Gábor Kvéder, The AnaChronistT, Vol. 19, 2019)

“A concluding section on the long tail of Shaw’s evolved Stage Englishman on Irish authors from Joyce to Brendan Behan is splendid proof of Shaw’s artistry and Clare’s erudition. Although Bernard Shaw’s Irish Outlook is addressed primarily to Irish studies, Clare accomplishes the daunting task of making the intricacies of Irish history, politics, and aesthetics compelling to all literature and theatre scholars.” (Lawrence Switzky, Canadian Journal of Irish Studies, Vol. 41, 2018)

“Although Shaw was determined to ‘show the Englishman his own absurdities’, his stage Englishman, exemplified by sentimental hypocrite Tom Broadbent in John Bull’s Other Island, is far more nuanced than the crass stage Irishman presented by English writers. This perspective, along with Clare’s persuasive positioning of Shaw as a Revival writer who ‘maintained a strong Irish outlook throughout his life’, makes his book a fascinating and important addition to Shavian scholarship.” (Eleanor Fitzsimons, The Irish Times, irishtimes.com, October, 2017)

“Clare’s style is critically engaged and thought-provoking but accessible throughout. He is full of enthusiasm for Shaw’s work and this imbues his work with a dynamism and energy throughout which makes it a pleasure to read. His book can be enjoyed and understood by academics, Shaw enthusiasts and the informed layman alike.” (Michelle C. Paull, The Shavian, Vol. 13 (6), 2017)

“The book offers the first comprehensive examination of Shaw’s Irishness as being central to his perspective. David Clare provides intelligent contextual readings of Shaw’s life and writings that place him firmly in the tradition of many Irish writers. … Clare’s book will prove to be a valuable work indeed.” (Brad Kent, Irish Studies Review, August, 2016)

“This volume … is a welcome and important addition to Shaw studies. The volume offers up-to-date Shaw criticism, especially emanating from recent Irish scholarship, which Clare builds upon confidently to draw the portrait of an author touched by the Irish landscape. He complements close reading analysis with insights provided by Shaw’s prefaces and correspondence, and submits a remarkable body of notes that are testament to Clare’s minutiae and his knowledge of Shaw and Irish literature.” (Anne Étienne, Shaw, Vol. 36 (2), 2016)