George Bernard ShawThe George Bernard Shaw Collection

These 8 plays are well directed, with American and British casts, all the discs clearly labelled and in individual sleeves, which makes them easy to handle. I got special pleasure listening to The Doctor's Dilemma (with Martin Jarvis) and Misalliance and Major Barbara (both with Roger Rees). Also from the sense that we are in a theatre, with laughter from the audience responding to the delivery of the dialogue.

Shaw wrote five novels early in his career, the first one entitled - cheekily - "Immaturity". I will not waste space naming the others. At the time they were written (i1879 to 1883) they had a rather unique slant on life. Even now they still appear up to date. I have been on the lookout for a complete collection for many years, so the title of this book was a magnet and I ordered it immediately. It is a beautifully produced volume but it has one little drawback - it doesn't contain any of Shaw's novels. What it does contain is eleven of his most popular PLAYS. So why the five stars ? Well, as I have already remarked, it is beautifully produced on high quality paper, clearly printed, stoutly bound and a bargain at the price. 'Pity about the confusing title.

I bought this with a degree of hesitancy and quickly fell in love with Shaw's Arms and the Man and the witty congenial banter that so prolifically fills Shaw's plays. Themes of marriage, relationships, manners, and post-victorian ethics are constantly brought to the fore in comical ways throughout. Brilliant one-liners, well portrayed by LA Theatre works also... the man is a genius! It is great to find something so intellectually stimulating and comically inviting at the same time. Arms and the Man, Major Barbara, and Misalliance are my favourites; only wish it also had Getting Married on here--but can't complain. You're getting 13hrs of great material here!!