The Complete Plays of Bernard Shaw Value Guide

This 1934 UK edition is a significant compilation of George Bernard Shaw's sharp wit and social commentary, featuring over 60 plays including Pygmalion and Saint Joan. It serves as a definitive historical record of the Irish playwright's immense influence on Western theatre during the early 20th century.

What Is The Complete Plays of Bernard Shaw Worth?

The typical price range for The Complete Plays of Bernard Shaw is $20 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the dark cloth binding and the clarity of the gold lettering.
• Presence of the original dust jacket, which significantly increases the $20-$25 base value.
• Internal condition, specifically the absence of foxing on the 1930s-era paper and integrity of the spine.
• Provenance or markings from notable UK booksellers or previous owners of the period.

How to Identify The Complete Plays of Bernard Shaw?

• Verify the 1934 publication date typically found on the title page or verso.
• Look for the characteristic dark cloth binding with distinct gold lettering on the spine.
• Confirm the origin as United Kingdom, reflecting the primary distribution of this specific hardcover era.
• Check for the inclusion of major works like 'Man and Superman' and 'Saint Joan' within the table of contents.

History of The Complete Plays of Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture, and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than 60 plays, including major works such as 'Man and Superman', 'Pygmalion', and 'Saint Joan'. This collection brings together many of his acclaimed theatrical works, showcasing his sharp wit and social commentary.