Author: E. K. Shaw

1Pygmalion

By George Bernard Shaw

<i>Pygmalion</i> (1913) is a play by George Bernard Shaw based on the Greek myth of the same name. It tells the story of Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics (based on phonetician Henry Sweet), who makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can successfully pass off a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, as a refined society lady by teaching her how to speak with an upper class accent and training her in etiquette. In the process, Higgins and Doolittle grow close, but she ultimately rejects his domineering ways and declares she will marry Freddy Eynsford-Hill – a young, poor, gentleman. - The play was later the basis for the successful movie adaptation "My Fair Lady" with Audrey Hepburn as Eliza and Rex Harrison as Prof. Higgins. (Summary by Wikipedia/Gesine) <b>Cast list:</b><br> Narrator – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/56">Kirsten Ferreri</a> & <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/188">Mary Anderson</a><br> The Daughter / Miss Clara Eynsford Hill – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/937">Susie G.</a><br> The Mother / Mrs Eynsford Hill – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/20">Gesine</a><br> A Bystander – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/167">Peter Yearsley</a><br> Freddy Eynsford Hill – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/348">ianish</a><br> The Flower Girl / Liza Doolittle – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/28">Kristin Hughes</a><br> A Gentleman / Captain Pickering – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/31">Martin Clifton</a><br> The Note Taker / Professor Henry Higgins – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/66">Alex Foster</a><br> A Sarcastic Bystander – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/167">Peter Yearsley</a><br> Mrs Pearce – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/112">Christiane Levesque</a><br> Alfred Doolittle – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/94">David Barnes</a><br> Mrs Higgins – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1154">Larysa Jaworski</a><br> Parlour-Maid – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/167">Linda Wilcox</a><br> Director/File editor – <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br><br>

LibriVox volunteers bring you 15 recordings of <em>Who Loves the Rain</em> by Frances Shaw. This was the weekly poetry project for the week of November 2nd, 2008.

This is an essay providing an extended analysis of the works of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and of Ibsen's critical reception in England. Shaw uses this "exposition of Ibsenism" to illustrate the imperfections of British society, using the idea of an imaginary "community of a thousand persons," divided into three categories: Philistines, Idealists, and the lone Realist.<br /><br /> The main discussion revolves around Ibsen's recurring topic of the strong character holding out against social hypocrisy, while stating in his essay's final sentence that the quintessence of Ibsenism is that "there is no formula." ( Michele Eaton)

4Discoverers and Explorers

By Edward R. Shaw

Tales of the brave and daring explorers that ventured into the unknown "Sea of Darkness" where it was thought monsters and angry gods lived. They dared to sail near the equator which was thought to have such intense heat that it would boil the ocean water. It was also commonly thought at the time that the world was flat, and the ships would fall off the face of the earth. These men overcame these fears to explore and discover new lands. (Summary by Laura Caldwell)

5Arms and the Man

By George Bernard Shaw

Arms and the Man is a comedy by George Bernard Shaw that takes place in 1885, during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. Raina Petkoff is engaged to the gallant Sergius Saranoff, hero of the recent Bulgarian victory over the Serbs. But she is distracted by the abrupt arrival of Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who fought for the Serbian army. He takes refuge in her bedroom after the battle and although he is initially threatening, reveals that he carries chocolate creams instead of bullets. Will Raina marry the posturing Sergius or the chocolate cream soldier? Extra intrigue is provided by saucy servant girl Louka, her dour fiance Nicola, and Raina's hand-wringing parents. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)<br /><br /><strong>Cast (in order of speaking):</strong><br><br />Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br>Catherine Petkoff: <a href="http://www.karenrsavage.com/blog/">Karen Savage</a><br>Raina Petkoff: <a href="http://amingledyarn.wordpress.com/">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Louka: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Captain Bluntschli: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>Officer: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br>Nicola: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3664">Barry Eads</a><br>Major Petkoff: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4179">Robert Keiper</a><br>Sergius Saranoff: <a href="http://www.techsmiths.blogspot.com/">Mark F. Smith</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by:</strong> Elizabeth Klett<br>

6Mrs. Warren's Profession

By George Bernard Shaw

The story centers on the relationship between Mrs Kitty Warren, a rich woman, described by the author as "on the whole, a genial and fairly presentable old blackguard of a woman" and her daughter, Vivie. Mrs Warren is a middle-aged woman whose Cambridge-educated daughter, Vivie, is horrified to discover the sinister way her mother acquired her fortune. (Summary by Wikipedia and Arielle Lipshaw)<br /><br /> <strong>Cast:</strong><br /> Vivie: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br /> Praed: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br /> Mrs. Warren: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Crofts: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5659">Dale Burgess</a><br /> Frank: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5635">Matthew Reece</a><br /> Reverend Samuel Gardner: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br /> Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br /><br /> <strong>Audio edited by:</strong> Arielle Lipshaw

7Admirable Bashville

By George Bernard Shaw

The Admirable Bashville is a product of the British law of copyright. As that law stands at present, the first person who patches up a stage version of a novel, however worthless and absurd that version may be, and has it read by himself and a few confederates to another confederate who has paid for admission in a hall licensed for theatrical performances, secures the stage rights of that novel, even as against the author himself; and the author must buy him out before he can touch his own work for the purposes of the stage...As a good Socialist I do not at all object to the limitation of my right of property in my own works to a comparatively brief period, followed by complete Communism: in fact, I cannot see why the same salutary limitation should not be applied to all property rights whatsoever; but a system which enables any alert sharper to acquire property rights in my stories as against myself and the rest of the community would, it seems to me, justify a rebellion if authors were numerous and warlike enough to make one." (Summary by G.B. Shaw, from the Preface)<br><br> <b>Cast:</b><br> Lydia/Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536" rel="nofollow">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br> Cashel Byron: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705" rel="nofollow">Algy Pug</a><br> Bob Mellish: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5637" rel="nofollow">Anthony</a><br> Lucian: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492" rel="nofollow">mb</a><br> Bashville: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5635" rel="nofollow">Matthew Reece</a><br> A Newsboy/Master of the Revels: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3157" rel="nofollow">TriciaG</a><br> Cetewayo: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6037" rel="nofollow">Peter Bishop</a><br> Lord Worthington: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6005" rel="nofollow">Alan</a><br> Paradise/Adelaide Gisborne: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259" rel="nofollow">Elizabeth Klett</a><br> Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw

8Doctor's Dilemma

By George Bernard Shaw

The Doctor's Dilemma is about Dr. Colenso Ridgeon, who has recently been knighted because of a miraculous new treatment he developed for tuberculosis. As his friends arrive to congratulate him on his success, he is visited by two figures who present him with a difficult decision. He has room for one more patient in his clinic; should he give it to Louis Dubedat, a brilliant but absolutely immoral artist, or Dr. Blenkinsop, a poor and rather ordinary physician who is a truly good person? Dr. Ridgeon's dilemma is heightened when he falls for Jennifer Dubedat, the artist's wife, who is innocent of her husband's profligacy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)<br /><br /> <strong>Cast</strong>:<br>Redpenny: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6019">DerekP</a><br>Emmy: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6084">Amallen</a><br>Dr. Ridgeon: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br>Dr. Schutzmacher: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4547">John Steigerwald</a><br>Sir Patrick Cullen: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Cutler Walpole: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5717">Phil Chenevert</a><br>Dr. Blenkinsop: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>Jennifer Dubedat: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Louis Dubedat: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5637">Anthony</a><br>The Maid: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4964">rashada</a><br>The Newspaper Man: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br>The Secretary: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6037">Peter Bishop</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

9Candida

By George Bernard Shaw

Candida, a comedy by playwright George Bernard Shaw, was first published in 1898, as part of his Plays Pleasant. The central characters are clergyman James Morell, his wife Candida and a youthful poet, Eugene Marchbanks, who tries to win Candida's affections. The play questions Victorian notions of love and marriage, asking what a woman really desires from her husband. The cleric is a Fabian Socialist, allowing Shaw—himself a Fabian—to weave political issues, current at the time, into the story. (Summary from Wikipedia)<br><br> <strong>Cast</strong>:<br><br>Proserpine Garnett: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>James Morell: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6037">Peter Bishop</a><br>Alexander "Lexy" Mill: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3595">Martin Geeson</a><br>Burgess: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Candida: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Eugene Marchbanks: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

10Perfect Wagnerite

By George Bernard Shaw

The Perfect Wagnerite: A Commentary on the Niblung's Ring (originally published London, 1898) is a philosophical commentary on Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, by the Irish writer George Bernard Shaw. Shaw offered it to those enthusiastic admirers of Wagner who "were unable to follow his ideas, and do not in the least understand the dilemma of Wotan." He interprets the Ring in Marxian terms as an allegory of the collapse of capitalism from its internal contradictions. Musicologically, his interpretation is noteworthy for its perception of the change in aesthetic direction beginning with the final scene of Siegfried, in which he claimed that the cycle turns from Musikdrama back towards opera. (Introduction by Wikipedia)

11Major Barbara

By George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara focuses on the family of aristocratic Lady Britomart Undershaft and her estranged husband Andrew, a millionaire armaments manufacturer. Their daughters Sarah and Barbara are both engaged to be married, and Lady Britomart decides to ask Andrew for monetary support. Barbara is a Major in the Salvation Army, and agrees to let her father visit the mission in the East End of London where she works. In exchange, she agrees to visit his munitions factory. The conflict between Barbara's philanthropic idealism and her father's hard-headed capitalism clash when he decides he wants to fund the Salvation Army. Shaw's comedy, as always, delves into political and social issues of the period, and provides a roster of finely- and humorously-drawn characters. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) <br/><br/><strong>Cast</strong><br>Stephen Undershaft: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a><br>Lady Britomart Undershaft: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4744">Amy L. Gramour</a><br>Sarah Undershaft: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Barbara Undershaft/Rummy Mitchens: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Charles Lomax: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>Adolphus Cusins: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7040">Chris Marcellus</a><br>Morrison/Bilton: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6754">Todd</a><br>Andrew Undershaft: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br>Snobby Price: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7162">Joshua Tesch</a><br>Jenny Hill: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6947">Grace Garrett</a><br>Peter Shirley: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7251">Ken Garrett</a><br>Bill Walker: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Mrs. Baines: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4064">Margaret Espaillat</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

12Don Juan In Hell

By George Bernard Shaw

Don Juan in Hell is an excerpt (Act 3, Scene 2) from George Bernard Shaw’s <i>Man and Superman</i>. It is often performed as a stand-alone play. In it, three characters from Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Don Juan, Dona Ana, and the statue of the Commendatore, Dona Ana’s father) meet in Hell and, joined by the Devil, have a philosophical debate on a variety of subjects, including Heaven and Hell, men, women and marriage. In the end, they all decide where they will spend eternity. (Summary by Bob Neufeld)

13Heartbreak House

By George Bernard Shaw

On the eve of World War I, Ellie Dunn, her father, and her fiancé are invited to one of Hesione Hushabye’s infamous dinner parties. Unfortunately, her fiancé is a scoundrel, her father’s a bumbling prig, and she’s actually in love with Hector, Hesione’s husband. This bold mix of farce and tragedy lampoons British society as it blithely sinks towards disaster. (Summary by Wikipedia)<br/><br/><strong>Cast</strong><br>Nurse Guinness: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3816">Bev J. Stevens</a><br>Ellie Dunn: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Captain Shotover: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br>Lady Ariadne Utterword: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7138">Caprisha Page</a><br>Hesione Hushabye: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Mazzini Dunn: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4738">Leonard Wilson</a><br>Hector Hushabye: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3912">Bob Neufeld</a><br>Boss Mangan: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6482">Delmar H. Dolbier</a><br>Randall Utterword: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>The Burglar: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6754">Todd</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

This is one of three plays Shaw published as Plays Unpleasant in 1898; they were termed "unpleasant" because they were intended, not to entertain their audiences—as traditional Victorian theatre was expected to—but to raise awareness of social problems and to censure exploitation of the laboring class by the unproductive rich. In this play, Dr. Harry Trench becomes disillusioned when he discovers how his fiancee's father, Mr. Sartorius, makes his money. However, it is soon revealed that Trench's own income is far from untainted. (Summary by wildemoose and Wikipedia) <br><br><strong>Cast</strong>:<br>Dr. Harry Trench: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7691">engineerdst</a><br>Mr. William de Burgh Cokane: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5141">David Goldfarb</a><br>Mr. Sartorius: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8108">Drakaunus</a><br>Blanche Sartorius: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Mr. Lickcheese: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Waiter: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7848">bala</a><br>Porter: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6065">David Olson</a><br>Parlour Maid/Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by:</strong> Arielle Lipshaw

15Caesar and Cleopatra

By George Bernard Shaw

Caesar and Cleopatra, a play written in 1898 by George Bernard Shaw, was first staged in 1901 and first published with Captain Brassbound's Conversion and The Devil's Disciple in his 1901 collection, Three Plays for Puritans. It was first performed at Newcastle upon Tyne on March 15, 1899. London production was at the Savoy Theatre in 1907. Shaw wants to prove that it was not love but politics that drew Cleopatra to Julius Caesar. He sees the Roman occupation of ancient Egypt as similar to the British occupation that was occurring during his time. Caesar understands the importance of good government, and values these things above art and love. (Summary by Wikipedia) <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Belzanor/First Auxilliary: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8274"> ScottMolson</a><br> The Persian/Second Auxilliary: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">ChuckW</a><br> The Sentinel/Soldier/Roman Soldiers: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425"> silverquill</a><br> Voice/The Newcomer - Bel Affris/First Porter: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3032"> Rick Rodstrom</a><br> The Guardsmen/Second Porter: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705"> Algy Pug</a><br> The Women/A Woman/Charmian: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1259"> gloriana</a><br> Ftatateeta: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7138"> CaprishaPage</a><br> The Nubian Sentinel/Third Porter/Musician: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7679"> LibbyG</a><br> The Man - Caesar: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3912"> neustar</a><br> The Girl - Cleopatra: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6544"> JoFriday21</a><br> Pothinus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7500"> professorrct</a><br> Theodotus/The Official: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3994"> AmateurOzmologist</a><br> Achillas/Fourth Porter/The Second Official: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3699"> beeber</a><br> Rufio: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6535"> jondalar1988</a><br> Britannus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8570"> gmprzywara</a><br> The Bolder Courtiers/All the courtiers/Major-domo: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705"> Algy Pug</a><br> Lucius/Boatman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7691"> engineerdst</a><br> A Centurion: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8504"> Gman</a><br> Nubian/Nubian Sentinel/Apollodorus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754"> ToddHW</a><br> Ptolemy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8197"> Vper</a><br> Iras: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8535"> DrDawnDuncan</a><br> Narrator: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/26"> DSayers</a><br> <br> Edited By: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754"> ToddHW</a><br> Coordinated By: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705"> Algy Pug</a>

16Misalliance

By George Bernard Shaw

Misalliance, a 1910 play by George Bernard Shaw, is an ironic examination of the romantic entanglements of a varied group of people gathered at a wealthy man's country home on a summer weekend. Most of the romantic interest centers on the host's daughter, Hypatia Tarleton, a typical Shaw heroine who exemplifies his lifelong theory that in courtship, women are the relentless pursuers and men the apprehensively pursued. Hypatia is the daughter of newly-wealthy John Tarleton who made his fortune in the unglamorous but lucrative underwear business. She is fed up with the stuffy conventions that surround her and with the hyperactive talk of the men in her life. Hypatia is engaged to Bentley Summerhays, an intellectually bright but emotionally underdeveloped aristocrat. Hypatia is restless with her engagement as the play starts, even as it is revealed she has also had a proposal of engagement from her betrothed's father, Lord Summerhays. She longs for some adventure to drop out of the sky, and it does: an aircraft crashes through the roof of the conservatory. The plane's passengers, a handsome young pilot and a Polish acrobat, shake up the house party considerably. (Summary by Wikipedia and Elizabeth Klett)<br /><br /> <strong>Cast</strong><br /> Johnny Tarleton: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/8459">Sean Daley</a><br /> Bentley Summerhays: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br /> Hypatia Tarleton: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br /> Mrs. Tarleton: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3816">Bev J. Stevens</a><br /> Lord Summerhays: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br /> Tarleton: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3912">Bob Neufeld</a><br /> Joey Percival: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2624">David Nicol</a><br /> Lina Szczepanowska/Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Mr. Gunner/Julius Baker: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6482">Delmar H. Dolbier</a><br /><br /> <strong>Audio editing:</strong> Elizabeth Klett

17Children's Edition of Touching Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer

By Solomon Benjamin Shaw

Solomon Benjamin Shaw was a Methodist Episcopal minister, historian, essayist and editor. Solomon and Etta Ellen were married in McBride, Montcalm County, Michigan. Solomon resided in Chicago, Illinois for a time before taking up his principal residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rev. Shaw labored on what he referred to as the "undenominational line". This stand constituted a middle ground between the association plan favored by the denomination-oriented members of the National and the independent congregationalists of the movement. "Our work is not to build up or tear down churches, but to save souls and to lead God's people into the glorious experience of entire sanctification regardless of denominational lines," he said. - Summary by Tim Cote

Love Among the Artists was published in the United States in 1900 and in England in 1914, but it was written in 1881. In the ambience of chit-chat and frivolity among members of Victorian polite society a youthful Shaw describes his views on the arts, romantic love and the practicalities of matrimony. Dilettantes, he thinks, can love and settle down to marriage, but artists with real genius are too consumed by their work to fit that pattern. The dominant figure in the novel is Owen Jack, a musical genius, somewhat mad and quite bereft of social graces. From an abysmal beginning he rises to great fame and is lionized by socialites despite his unremitting crudity. As a study of Bohemia and its clash with conventional society, the novel is revealing of Shaw's belief that the true Artist has wholly different criteria than the ordinary person for the living of Life. Written as "a novel with a purpose," according to its author's preface, Love Among the Artists is an ironic novel with a serious intent. - Summary by Wikipedia, supplemented by Expatriate.

19Eighteen Months' Imprisonment

By Donald Shaw

This is an absorbing memoir of an inmate's experiences and impressions while in a London prison. He describes himself as "a man of education and worldly experience" and weighing "19 stone 13 lbs" (279 lbs), a stone being 14 lbs, at the beginning of his imprisonment but not upon his release. The author writes with a reporter's keen perception and a talented novelist's ability to engage and at times amuse the reader. - Summary by Lee Smalley

<p>George Bernard Shaw, a playwright with a few bones to pick of his own, undertakes a surgical analysis of the social philosophies underlying the work of Henrik Ibsen. Focusing his analysis on Ibsen's challenge to the conventional "ideals" which both Ibsen and Shaw consider the greatest evils in human society, Shaw summarizes and exposits sixteen of Ibsen's plays, seizing the opportunity to elucidate some of the principles dearest to himself. Some of the most striking passages reveal Shaw's radical feminist perspectives, some of which resonate as if a half-century ahead of their time. A fascinating revelation of the minds of two great and revolutionary writers (it's not always obvious whose voice is exactly whose), this always-timely book exposes hypocrisies still poisoning Society in the twenty-first century. - Summary by Expatriate

21Arms and The Man (Version 2)

By George Bernard Shaw

Arms and the Man is a comedy written by George Bernard Shaw, and was first produced in 1894 and published in 1898, and has become one of the most popular of his plays. Like his other works, Arms and the Man questions conventional values and uses war and love as his satirical targets. He delightfully pops the bubble of the 'brave soldier' always wishing to charge into battle and shows (I think) how people stay the same whether in uniform or not and are not magically changed into different people. A cautious soldier can be just as admirable as a reckless one. - Summary by Phil Chenevert

22Candida (version 2)

By George Bernard Shaw

This play tells the story of Candida, the wife of a famous clergyman, the Reverend James Mavor Morell. Morell is a Christian Socialist, popular in the Church of England, but Candida is responsible for much of his success. Candida returns home briefly from a trip to London with Eugene Marchbanks, a young poet who wants to rescue her from what he presumes to be her dull family life. Marchbanks is in love with Candida and believes she deserves something more than just complacency from her husband. He considers her divine, and his love eternal. In his view, it is quite improper and humiliating for Candida to have to attend to petty household chores. Morell believes Candida needs his care and protection, but the truth is quite the contrary. Ultimately, Candida must choose between the two gentlemen. She reasserts her preference for the "weaker of the two" who, after a momentary uncertainty, turns out to be her husband Morell. Note that the pronunciation of Candida is how Shaw himself preferred it be pronounced. [wikipedia and phil chenevert]

23Mrs. Warren's Profession (Version 2)

By George Bernard Shaw

.Mrs. Warren's Profession is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893, and first performed in London in 1902 but was banned after two performances because of the profession talked about. The play is about a former prostitute, now a madam (brothel proprietor), who attempts to come to terms with her disapproving daughter. It illustrates Shaw's belief that the act of prostitution was not caused by moral failure but by economic necessity. It also has a lot to say about the hypocrisy of English society that profited from many despised and illegal professions and used people in despicable ways but pretended to look down on them. This was probably why it was banned, not because of the 'profession' of Mrs. Warren, but because it exposed very highly placed people doing nasty things to make money. - Summary by phil chenevert and Wikipedia

Saint Joan is a play by George Bernard Shaw about 15th-century French military figure Joan of Arc. Premiering in 1923, three years after her canonization by the Roman Catholic Church, the play reflects Shaw's belief that the people involved in Joan's trial acted according to what they thought was right. He wrote in his preface to the play: “There are no villains in the piece. Crime, like disease, is not interesting: it is something to be done away with by general consent, and that is all [there is] about it. It is what men do at their best, with good intentions, and what normal men and women find that they must and will do in spite of their intentions, that really concern us.” (Wikipedia) Modern British author, critic, poet, and broadcaster Clive James, commenting on a book that changed his mind, wrote: “George Bernard Shaw, his preface to Saint Joan. Reading that wonderful stretch of prose started me on the road to a more human version of Christianity: a road I like to think that I am still pursuing.” (The Guardian, 5 October 2019) - Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales

25Overruled

By George Bernard Shaw

This is a short one act comedy by Shaw which involves two couples on a cruise who both need help figuring out their relationships. (Summary by Michele Eaton) <BR><BR>Cast: <BR> Narrator:<a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12075">MichaelMaggs</a><br> Mrs Lunn: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7026">wib66</a><br> Mrs Juno: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15638">qthemusic123</a><br> Gregory Lunn: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9905">Hamlet</a><br> Juno: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10737">Aiken</a><br>

26You Never Can Tell

By George Bernard Shaw

In this witty comedy of errors, the Clandon siblings, Gloria and the twins, Dolly and Philip attempt to uncover the identity of their long lost father. Playwright George Bernard Shaw uses the odd mix of eccentric characters thrown together in a seaside setting to make a number of sharp observations about marriage, romance, and parenthood. (Summary by Kelly S. Taylor)<BR><BR> Cast List <BR><BR> Mr. Valentine, the Dentist <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14309"> cavaet</a><br> Mrs. Clandon <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13852"> Kelly S. Taylor </a><br> Gloria Clandon <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14425"> Elise Dee</a><br> Dolly Clandon <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140"> Jenn Broda</a><br> Philip Clandon <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754"> ToddHW</a><br> Mr. Fergus Crampton <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705"> Algy Pug</a><br> Mr. Finch McComas <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8011"> Greg Giordano</a><br> Walter, the waiter <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577"> Adrian Stephens</a><br> Bohun, a QC (Queens Counsel) <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14540"> Andrew Gaunce </a><br> The Parlor-maid <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13904"> Hannah Dormor</a><br> The Narrator <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15178"> Andrew Latheron</a><br>

27Devil's Disciple

By George Bernard Shaw

Set during the American Revolution. Richard Dudgeon, put off by the dour religious ferocity of his mother and many of his neighbors, declares himself to be the devil's disciple, befriends the town's disreputable characters, repulses minister Anthony Anderson's dutiful attempts to save his soul, and takes a certain grim satisfaction in the shocked disapproval of his neighbors, including Anderson's young wife Judith. But when the British Army under General Burgoyne approaches, seeking prominent rebels, of whom to make examples, Richard, Anthony, and Judith are faced with a crisis that knocks them all loose from their comfortable roles. Rudeness, repartee, role reversal, irony, heroics, and excessive authorial commentary abound. - Summary by Joanna Michal Hoyt <BR><BR>Cast List:<BR> Anne Dudgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15373">WendyKatzHiller</a><br> Essie: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7026">Michele Eaton</a><br> Christy Dudgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Rev. Anthony Anderson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11484">Mike Manolakes</a><br> Judith Anderson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Uncle William Dudgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Uncle Titus Dudgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a><br> Lawyer Hawkins: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12980">Wayne Cooke</a><br> Richard Dudgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15580">Joanna Michal Hoyt</a><br> Sergeant: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a><br> General Burgoyne: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Major Swindon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14361">Andrew Kennedy</a><br> Chaplain Brudenell: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12667">Michael MacTaggert</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br>

28Back to Methuselah

By George Bernard Shaw

In this late work, Shaw examines many contemporary issues under the broad rubric of evolution and then illustrates his opinions in five brief plays set in widely separated historical periods, beginning in the Garden of Eden and ending in the year 31,920 A.D. The unifying principle in this historical survey is the notion that the survival of humankind depends on increasing our lifespan to at least 300 years, a period permitting us to grow to maturity. The ultimate question that the mature cast of characters grapple with is what is to be the next significant step in evolution. Mere longevity simply enables them to ask this question. We see in the final play the beginning of the answer: first, escape from the social experiment, which began with Cain, a long and toilsome journey towards anarchy, and then gradual liberation from the grossness of physical imperfection and at last from bondage to flesh itself into immortality. What might lie beyond that, the author leaves to the imagination. - Summary by Thomas A. Copeland

29Fanny's First Play

By George Bernard Shaw

Fanny who is the daughter of a Count has written a play. Having hired professional actors and invited some major critics. She is keeping her authorship private and she fears her father will not approve as he hates the vulgarity of modern life. - Summary by Michele Eaton <b>Cast list:</b> Count O'Dowda: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577">Adrian Stephens</a> Bannal: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18543">Agnes Robert Behr</a> Gunn/Critic: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a> Juggins: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17576">Beeswaxcandle</a> Margaret: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18957">Christine Longhelt</a> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15806">czandra</a> Trotter/Critic: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a> Fanny: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17334">Stacey Malcolm</a> Savoyard: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16240">HelloCentral</a> Vaughan/Critic: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17752">redrun</a> Footman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16205">James R. Hedrick</a> Mrs Gilbey: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18956">Victoria Scrimer</a> Gilbey: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18782">Priamedes</a> Dora: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a> Mrs Knox: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15373">WendyKatzHiller</a> Knox: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a> DuVallet: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17662">Inkell</a> Bobby: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6924">Rapunzelina</a>

30Androcles and the Lion

By George Bernard Shaw

A dramatic version of the classic fable of a kind man who comes across a lion with a thorn in its paw, his compassion for the injured lion prompts him to aid it and the kindness is remembered by the lion who will later save his life. - Summary by Inkell <BR><BR>Cast List:<BR><BR> Androcles: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577">Adrian Stephens</a> Megaera: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/18543">Agnes Robert Behr</a> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17662">Inkell</a> The Centurion: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/20096">ARodrigo</a> Lavinia: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19584">ShrimpPhish</a> The Captain: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a> Ferrovius: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19613">OlgaVictoria</a> Christian #1: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19347">Robert Cheyne</a> Christian #2: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/17246">Winnifred Assmann</a> Christian #3: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19694">MichaelL</a> Metellus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15552">Anthony Joseph</a> The Ox Driver: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a> Spintho: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19612">Jon Hunter</a> Lentulus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16118">Roxby</a> One of the Slaves: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19600">Tasha1985</a> The Emperor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a> The Call Boy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16764">dc</a> Secutor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19399">tombooker</a> The Editor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19755">Clovis</a> The Menagerie Keeper: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/19161">AliceStein</a> Retiarius: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6924">Rapunzelina</a>

31Sunday Stories

By Catharine Shaw

Adaptations of Bible stories for younger readers. - Summary by ShrimpPhish