George Bernard Shaw

My Dear Watson

Bernard Shaw's Letters to a Critic
Herausgeber: Conolly, L. W.

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Over the course of three decades, George Bernard Shaw and theatre critic Malcolm Watson of the Daily Telegraph carried out an extensive correspondence. My Dear Watson brings together in book form the previously unpublished letters from Shaw to Watson (those from Watson to Shaw are no longer extant): letters that are significant for the light they shed on the working relationship between Shaw and one of London's major newspapers. Many of the letters include self-drafted "interviews" with Shaw that Watson was able to use (sometimes with considerable embellishment) in his columns in the Telegraph. The letters reveal not only Shaw's views on his own plays, but also important theatrical initiatives of the time. Shaw's attempts to educate Watson on theatre censorship add new dimensions to Shaw's deep engagement with the controversial issue, while Watson's "interview" with Shaw about anticipated raucous audience behaviour at the opening night of Pygmalion, and Shaw's subsequent thank-you to Watson for his cooperation in trying to establish a "new code of manners in the theatre," speak to Shaw's serious concern about giving actors a fair hearing. All but one of the letters deal with theatrical matters; the exception deals with a personal income tax question that Watson had raised with Shaw and, apart from revealing Shaw's knowledge of British tax legislation, suggests that the professional relationship between the two men had reached a level of comfort and respect that enabled such discussion of personal matters. Shaw's letters to Watson, and the self-drafted interviews that accompanied some of the letters, provide the backbone of the narrative of their relationship. Editor L.W. Conolly has provided relevant context to link the letters, including transcripts of Watson's columns on Shaw. The book also includes full transcripts of, or lengthy extracts from, Daily Telegraph reviews of Shaw's major plays during the years that Watson worked for the paper. The result is a work that sheds significant light not only on one of the English language's greatest playwrights but also on the practice and profession of theatre criticism. "Conolly's editing, notes and references are thorough and illuminating, and his subtle editorial approach and impeccable scholarship make this slim volume highly entertaining as well as informative." --Dr. Anne Wright, The Shavian

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Rock's Mills Press
• Seitenzahl: 112
• Erscheinungstermin: 14. November 2019
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 6mm
• Gewicht: 175g
• ISBN-13: 9781772441833
• ISBN-10: 177244183X
• Artikelnr.: 58285818

Autorenporträt

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and social reformer known for his sharp wit, satirical commentary, and progressive views. Born in Dublin, Shaw moved to London in his early twenties and became deeply involved in the cultural and intellectual life of the city. "The Apple Cart," written in 1928, is one of Shaw's later plays and is considered a political satire. It explores themes of power, politics, and monarchy in a fictional future Britain. In the play, King Magnus finds himself at odds with his Prime Minister over the monarchy's role in government, leading to a series of witty and thought-provoking debates about democracy, leadership, and the nature of power. Shaw's works often challenged societal norms and conventions, and "The Apple Cart" is no exception, using humor and irony to critique political systems and explore alternative visions for society. As a playwright, Shaw was known for his ability to blend entertainment with intellectual depth, creating memorable characters and engaging dialogue that continue to resonate with audiences today. Beyond his literary achievements, Shaw was a prominent figure in the Fabian Society, a socialist organization advocating for social reform. He used his platform as a writer and public speaker to champion causes such as women's rights, education reform, and economic equality. George Bernard Shaw's legacy as a playwright and thinker is marked by his profound impact on both literature and social discourse. His plays, including "The Apple Cart," remain relevant for their exploration of timeless themes and their enduring relevance to contemporary political and social issues.