Pygmalion and Other Plays

“Pygmalion and Other Plays” is a collection of eleven of George Bernard Shaw’s most studied and performed plays. The impact made by the Irish playwright, political activist, and Noble Prize-winner on Western theater and culture cannot be overstated. The plays contained in this collection showcase his genius and creativity and it is not hard to understand why his works continue to influence generations of writers and actors. Included are such frequently adapted classics as “Arms and the Man”, a biting and witty critique of the often falsely romantic depiction of war and the empty nobility of soldiers, “Candida”, a surprisingly modern story of a strong and intelligent woman who is the true force behind her husband’s success, “Pygmalion”, the classic and often adapted story of the transformation of Eliza Doolittle from a poor flower girl into a sophisticated lady at the hands of Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering, “Saint Joan”, the sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the iconic Joan of Arc which shows her as a complex, misunderstood, and deeply human character, as well as many more brilliant dramatic plays. Shaw’s works continue to entertain and captivate audiences with their insights into human nature and the shortcomings of our modern society. This edition includes a biographical afterword.