Four Plays: Caesar and Cleopatra/The Devil's Disciple/Man and Superman/Candida

by George Bernard Shaw

Plays include: Caesar and Cleopatra, The Devil's Disciple, Man and Superman, and Candida.

Genres: Drama, Plays, Theatre

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

George Bernard Shaw stands as one of the most prolific and influential intellectuals of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a man whose literary output was matched only by his fervent commitment to social reform. Rising from a modest background in Dublin to become a global icon of letters, Shaw redefined the purpose of the stage, transforming it from a place of mere entertainment into a forum for rigorous intellectual debate and moral inquiry. His unique "Shavian" style—characterized by sharp-witted dialogue, paradoxical reasoning, and a relentless assault on Victorian hypocrisy—ensured that his voice resonated far beyond the footlights. As a playwright, critic, and philosopher, he remains a singular figure in history, being one of only two individuals to have been honored with both a Nobel Prize in Literature and an Academy Award. This rare crossover of high-art recognition and mainstream cinematic success speaks to his versatility and the enduring relevance of his narratives. His dramatic work, which includes over sixty plays, often tackled the most pressing issues of his day, from the rigid structures of the British class system to the complexities of gender roles and the ethical dilemmas of capitalism. In masterpieces like Pygmalion, he used the science of phonetics to demonstrate the artificiality of class distinctions, a theme that would later reach millions through the musical adaptation My Fair Lady. In Man and Superman, he delved into the philosophical concepts of the "Life Force" and the evolution of the human spirit, while Major Barbara forced audiences to confront the uncomfortable relationship between religious idealism and the industrial military complex. Beyond his theatrical achievements, Shaw was a foundational force in political thought, serving as a leading light of the Fabian Society. His advocacy for gradual socialist reform, rather than violent revolution, helped shape the trajectory of modern British politics and social welfare. He was instrumental in the creation of the London School of Economics, an institution that continues to influence global policy and economic theory. Shaw was also a formidable critic, whose reviews of music and drama set new standards for the profession, characterized by an uncompromising honesty and a deep knowledge of the arts. His personal lifestyle was as distinctive as his writing; a committed vegetarian, teetotaler, and non-smoker, he lived with a disciplined focus that allowed him to remain productive well into his ninth decade. He was a man of contradictions, often engaging in provocative public discourse that challenged the status quo, even when his views sparked intense controversy. His fascination with the "Superman" archetype and his occasional support for authoritarian figures reflected a complex, often elitist worldview that sought the betterment of humanity through radical intellectual evolution. Despite these complexities, his core mission was always rooted in a profound humanitarianism and a desire to expose the delusions that prevented society from progressing. He believed that the power of the written word could strip away the masks of respectability that hid social injustice, and his plays continue to be staged worldwide because the human foibles he satirized remain as prevalent today as they were during his lifetime. By blending humor with gravity and intellect with accessibility, Shaw created a body of work that serves as both a mirror and a compass for modern civilization. His legacy is not just in the scripts he left behind, but in the very way we think about the intersection of art, politics, and the individual’s responsibility to the collective good. He remains the quintessential public intellectual, a man who never feared to speak his mind or to demand that the world become a more rational and equitable place.

Reviews

[Shaun Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shaw is both at his best and most tedious in these works. Overall the plays are enjoyable, Shaw takes the reader on an overly trite narration between Don Juan and the Devil that is ultimately Shaw talking to himself at the expense of his audience. As fun as it may be to shave away the ideals of romance, it makes for a stodgy scene. This book includes the Revolutionist Handbook, written by a character in the play. I'll admit, I was so nauseated by the high and mighty narrative, in spite of the generally acceptable and enjoyable plays, I was too wary to brave the inevitable rants to come.

[Hydra Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

The editor of this particular volume, Paul Kozelka, made a point of calling the author Bernard Shaw instead of George Bernard Shaw, as most people would know him. The reason, and it seems like a good enough one, being that Mr. Shaw did not himself care for his first name and preferred to go only by his middle and last name. Besides that little tidbit of information I found the forward and editor’s notes to be on the same level as most forwards and editor’s notes on great works of literature; useless.

The four plays contained in this volume are as follows: The Devil’s Disciple, Candida, Caesar and Cleopatra, and Man and Superman.

The Devil’s Disciple was entertaining enough and the editor was wise to put it at the start of the book. A lot could be said about the unSatanic nature of the play’s main Satanic character. I mean what sort of Satanist, real or pretend, would let themselves be killed in order to save the local minister, a man they have no particular affections for. But the plot and storyline are amusing in part because they are illogical. So, in the end it was enjoyable.

Candida too was enjoyable. Again a minister was one of the main characters and Candida, herself, was the minister’s wife. This one got in spots a little too sweet and sentimental for my taste. It also too did not quite have a ring of truth about it. There were some honest and human moments to it, such as the ending, and the characters were interesting and so it was slightly above readable.

Caesar and Cleopatra was as the title suggest a play about Caesar and Cleopatra with a slightly humorous twist. Honestly, this play may have been fresh and interesting during its time, but I found it dull and only mildly amusing.

Man and Superman is the reason I purchased and read the collection. I’d heard for some many years how great of a work this play was, but had never before read it. I can’t say I was overly impressed. Certainly it had it’s charm. Of all the four, it was the funniest. It was also the one with the deepest level of character development. Some of the speeches by some of the character go on a little too long, but they were thought provoking and so bearable. The ‘dream’ portion, with the Devil and Don Juan, was a view and way of approaching the subject of Hell I’d favor had it added anything significant to the real life storyline. Rather it was a bit like a play within a play and a long one at that. The purpose of having it could have easily been served within a page or two rather then going on and on and on the way that it actually did. Near to the end of it I was flipping ahead to see when it would be ending and the business with Jack and Ana and the others would start up again. They were the much more interesting of the characters.

In closing I’d suggest only those who are lovers of plays or have, such as I do, a very dry wit and sense of humor to give this volume or any other which contains these plays a read. I think all other sorts of persons would find them boring and pointless.

[Gregorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caesar and Cleopatra: The most entertaining of the bunch, it is very interesting how Shaw portrays Caesar and his wisdom. The imagery is wonderful.
The Devil's Disciple: Clearly inspiration for The Crucible, yet it isn't anywhere near as good. Again, an entertaining play.
Candida: An interesting reaction to "A Doll's House," yet it is ultimately forgettable.
Man and Superman: A philosophy play that has a bit too much philosophy. At times it drags on and on about socialism and the superman. Not his best work, even though it is his most famous.

Overall: A decent read, but I'd only recommend Caesar and Cleopatra.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was familiar with the other plays, but especially liked "Captain Brassbound's Conversion." I honestly and truly did not expect the family connection between the judge and the pirate! It would be really fun to stage - especially since it isn't done very often. And before I get too much older, I'd love to play Lady Cicely...

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Caesar and Cleopatra especially! It puts plenty of twists on the traditional story of Cleopatra when the familiar legend is just that she had herself delivered to Caesar rolled up in a carpet.