Pygmalion

Discussions of Shaw's career, the themes of the play, and staging techniques introduce this comedy, in which Professor Higgins succeeds in transforming an unkempt London flower girl into a society belle.

Ever since Pygmalion opened in London in April 1914 it has proved a very controversial play, from the (then) shocking language, to arguments about its correct ending. Critical interpretations have been similarly disputatious, encompassing views of the transformation of the impoverished Eliza Doolittle by phonetics expert Henry Higgins as either a story of economic and social liberation, or an example of the perpetuation of male control and self-interest.This new edition of Pygmalion includes George Bernard Shaw's definitive text, with both Preface and Sequel, and provides the most comprehensive scholarly treatment of the play to date.

Features characters such as Professor Higgins and his pupil Eliza Doolittle. This title has been both enhanced and undermined by the musical adaptation "My Fair Lady". It includes an introduction exploring theatrical and historical context, critical reactions to the play, background on the author, stage history, and character analysis.

Ever since Pygmalion opened in London in April 1914 it has proved a very controversial play, from the (then) shocking language, to arguments about its correct ending. Critical interpretations have been similarly disputatious, encompassing views of the transformation of the impoverished Eliza Doolittle by phonetics expert Henry Higgins as either a story of economic and social liberation, or an example of the perpetuation of male control and self-interest. With subsequent film and musical adaptations and many stage revivals, Pygmalion remains one of Shaw's most engaging, provocative, and accessible plays. This new edition of Pygmalion includes Shaw's definitive text, with both Preface and Sequel, and provides the most comprehensive scholarly treatment of the play to date, containing:-A substantial introduction with biographical information on Shaw -Detailed discussion of the genesis and sources of the play-Varying interpretations, and a lengthy international stage history.-Textual notes on each page explaining language, allusions, and staging-Appendices with Shaw's discarded scenes for the play, the British Censor's 1914 report, and texts of all stage and film endings of Pygmalion.

Pygmalion is one of Bernard Shaw’s most entertaining plays, and its characters have become household names. This is a fresh and accessibly written critical edition for literature and drama students. Authoritative and academically rigorous, it is edited and approved by the Shaw Estate and international Shaw expert Len Conolly.

Shaw explores a wide range of issues: the British class system, language and phonetics, poverty, imperialism.