The Irish Writers: George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was a prolific dramatist,critic, essayist, pamphleteer and social reformer. The shy, idealistic Irishmanseparated himself from his opinionated public persona, ‘G. B. S.’, and hiseccentric alter ego and his work were the vehicles for his social and politicalideals. He was a member of the socialist Fabian Society from its founding andedited Fabian Essays. Most of his early plays were banned because of their politicalcontent. His outspokenness made him unpopular in England for a time but hisspreading worldwide fame made it easier for him to voice his views.

Plays, such as Mrs Warren’s Profession, Arms and the Man, Man and Superman, Major Barbara, Pygmalion and St Joan, his essays and letters, hisoutspoken opinions, great wit and charisma made him a celebrity and his namehas even passed into the English language in the word ‘Shavian’. He received the Nobel Prize forLiterature in 1925.

Author David Ross has written a biography of Shaw that is exceptionallyreadable and entertaining. The life, wit and prolific achievements of thisIrish icon are conveyed with insight and understanding.