George Bernard Shaw, His Life and Works: A Critical Biography (authorized)

A critical biography written in the early 20th century. This work offers an in-depth analysis of the life, artistic contributions, and philosophies of the renowned playwright and critic George Bernard Shaw. It aims to explore his significance within the contexts of social reform, art, and literature, and intends to provide a more accurate portrait of Shaw beyond the myths and legends surrounding him. The opening of the biography outlines the author's journey of discovering Shaw's complex character and talents. Archibald Henderson reveals his initial ambition to write a brief study, which expanded significantly due to the depth and breadth of material he encountered. Henderson reflects on his challenging yet enlightening interactions with Shaw, through which he learned about the playwright's unique comedic and serious attributes, including Shaw's tendency to balance whimsical humor with profound social critique. The introduction sets the tone for an extensive exploration of Shaw's influences, philosophies on religion and society, and quest for authentic individualism amidst societal expectations.