The scripts and commentaries on three of Shaw's most popular plays: "Saint Joan," "Major Barbara," and "Androcles and the Lion."

The scripts and commentaries on three of Shaw's most popular plays: "Saint Joan," "Major Barbara," and "Androcles and the Lion."

Rediscover the story of the inspirational Saint Joan of Arc with the classic play by George Bernard Shaw. The historical saint begins her story as a simple country girl in fifteenth century France who is inspired by visions from God to help liberate her country from the English. She secures soldier’s clothing and convinces the soon-to-be king, Charles, to begin battling for his country. Though her regiment succeeds in battle after battle, her enemies (the English) move against her. When Joan moves to liberate Paris from the English control—against the advice of her friends—she is captured and tried for heresy. Despite help from a Bishop and the Inquisitor, who truly want to see Joan succeed, her beliefs simply do not match with the Church; people do not hear visions from God, only from the church, therefore Joan must be possessed by demons. Subsequently, Joan is sentenced to death. Now read this beautiful new edition of the talented George Bernard Shaw’s play, Saint Joan. Discover why the Catholic Church made this young woman into one of the most famous saints known today.

Hailed by T. S. Eliot as "a dramatic delight," George Bernard Shaw's only tragedy traces the life of the peasant girl who led French troops to victory over the English in the Hundred Years' War. An avid socialist, Shaw regarded his writing as a vehicle for promoting his political and humanitarian views and exposing hypocrisy. With Saint Joan, he reached the height of his fame, and it was this play that led to his Nobel Prize in Literature for 1925. In the six centuries since her martyrdom, Joan of Arc has inspired artists, musicians, and writers. Shaw's heroine is unlike any previous interpretation — not a witch, saint, or madwoman but a pre-feminist icon, possessed of innate intelligence and leadership qualities that challenge the authority of church and state. She is also a real human being, warm and sincere, whose flaws include an obstinacy that leads to her undoing. This edition includes a substantial, informative Preface by the author.

Mayor Barbara, Heartbreak house, Saint Joan too true to be good.