Major Barbara

Shaw writes of an Edwardian Britain in which the saintly qualities of the central character are complicated by the fact that she is of noble birth and supported by her estranged father's munitions business. Enter an impoverished greek scholar with flexible scruples, and the scenario is complete and romance flourishes as the plot extends to include the two widely diverse families of her home life and that of the Salvation Army shelter in the East End of London.I had seen the 1940 film version of this story before reading the play, but found myself understanding the longer philosophical speeches better in the written form, so gained new enjoyment from Shaw's(sometimes rather long-winded)writing.Twenty first century readers should not be put off by the writers Victorian style, there is much food for thought in the underlying messages of this play.

This play, although written around 1905 is still a subject for talking. Would your charity accept donations from an arm's manufacture or many others?

Ideal copy

One of my favorite Shaw plays. Enjoyed re reading it.

Great book