George Bernard Shaw- Harold Bloom

"George Bernard Shaw" by Harold Bloom is a critical analysis of the life and works of the renowned Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw. As part of Bloom's Bloom's Modern Critical Views series, this book examines Shaw’s significant contributions to literature, theater, and social commentary.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of Shaw’s most important works, including Pygmalion, Man and Superman, and Major Barbara, focusing on his wit, satirical approach, and revolutionary ideas about society, politics, and class. Bloom discusses Shaw’s unique style, his use of humor and irony, and his ability to blend entertainment with critical commentary on the moral and social issues of his time.

Bloom also contextualizes Shaw’s plays within the broader scope of literary and theatrical traditions, examining his influence on both the world of drama and the intellectual climate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The analysis includes Shaw’s role as a public intellectual and his controversial stances on various topics, from marriage to the role of government, positioning him as both a playwright and a critic of contemporary society.