(Applause Books). "With the single exception of Homer, there is no eminent writer, not even Sir Walter Scott, whom I can despise so entirely as I despise Shakespeare when I measure my mind against his." - From SHAW ON SHAKESPEARE Celebrated playwright, critic and essayist George Bernard Shaw was more like the Elizabethan master that he would ever admit. Both men were intristic dramatists who shared a rich and abiding respect for the stage. Shakespeare was the produce of a tempestuous and enlightening era under the reign of his patron, Queen Elizabeth I; while G.B.S. reflected the racy and risque spirt of the late 19th century as the champion of modern drama by playwrights like Ibsen, and, later, himself. Culled from Shaw's reviews, prefaces, letters to actors and critics, and other writings, SHAW ON SHAKESPEARE offers a fascinating and unforgettable portrait of the 16th century playwright by his most outspoken critic. This is a witty and provocative classic that combines Shaw's prodigious critical acumen with a superlative prose style second to none (except, perhaps, Shakespeare!).

"The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" is a one-act play written by means of George Bernard Shaw. A departure from Shaw's more well-known works, this play is a humorous and satirical exploration of the mysterious parent from William Shakespeare's sonnets, regularly known as the "Dark Lady." Set in the early 17th century, the play opens with William Shakespeare himself, grappling with creator's block as he struggles to locate thought for his poetry. The plot takes an unexpected flip while the Dark Lady, the object of Shakespeare's poetic affections, turns out to be none other than Queen Elizabeth I. Shaw uses this revelation to weave a comedic narrative, injecting wit and smart speak into the interaction between the Bard and the Queen. The play satirizes Shakespeare's romantic entanglements and mocks the conventions of Elizabethan drama, all while imparting a lighthearted exploration of the complexities of love, reputation, and artistic idea. "The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" is a short and exciting work that showcases Shaw's wit and ability to playfully engage with ancient and literary topics. It offers a unique angle on the speculative components of Shakespeare's private lifestyles and relationships, including a hint of humor to the area of Elizabethan poetry and drama.

How can the most silent member of the family carry the message of subversion against venerated institutions of state and society? Why would two playwrights, writing 300 years apart, employ the same dramatic methods for rebelling against the establishment, when these methods are virtually ignored by their contemporaries? This book considers these and similar questions. It examines the historical similarities of the eras in which Shakespeare and Shaw wrote and then explores types of father-daughter interactions, considering each in terms of the existing power structures of society. These two dramatists draw on themes of incest, daughter sacrifice, role playing, education, and androgyny to create both active and passive daughters. The daughters literally represent a challenge to the patriarchy and metaphorically extend that challenge to such institutions as church and state. The volume argues that the father-daughter relationship was the ideal dramatic vehicle for Shakespeare and Shaw to advance their social and political agendas. By exploring larger issues through the father-daughter relationship, both playwrights were able to avoid the watchful eyes of censors and comment on such topics as the divine right of kings, filial bonds of obedience, and even regicide.