Arms and the Man » (Special Value)

J.P. Wearing is Professor Emeritus of English, University of Arizona. Among his thirteen books are: G.B. Shaw: An Annotated Bibliography of Writings About Him: Volume I: 1871-1930; Bernard Shaw and Nancy Astor: Selected Correspondence of Bernard Shaw and the sixteen-volume The London Stage 1890-1959. He has held a Killam Post-doctoral Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

One of Shaw's most popular comedies, deflating romantic misconceptions of love and warfare. Reprinted from an authoritative early edition, complete with Shaw's preface to Volume II of Plays: Pleasant and Unpleasant.

Publishers Weekly

Humor, rather than romance, abounds in this audio play performed in front of a live audience. From its "Who's on First"-meets-Shakespeare introduction to its surprising and irrelevant ending, Romancewill leave listeners laughing uproariously at the running gags, outrageous language and amusing tangents. Fred Willard as a befuddled, overmedicated and pontificating judge hosts this kangaroo court of love affairs, foreign affairs and bigotry so blatant that it would be appalling if it wasn't so satirical. The defendant has discovered the key to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but unless he can get court to adjourn, his plans will be wasted. The small but talented cast (including Noah Bean, Ed Begley Jr., Gordon Clapp, Steven Goldstein, Rod McLachlan and Rob Nagle) possess perfect timing and delivery. While the gross and vulgar language may scare some listeners away, its nonchalant execution dissolves its venom and infuses humor. Dirty and delicious, listeners will find this audiobook ending sooner than they will desire. (May)

Bernard Shaw: A Chronology

Abbreviations

Introduction

The Author

Composition

Influences and Sources

The Play

The Premiere

Shaw's Response

Stage History

Note on the Text

Further Reading

Arms and the Man 1

The Persons of the Play 2

The Scenes of the Play 2

Text 5

App. I Variant Scenes 103

App. II Additional Textual Notes 109

App. III Excerpts from the Preface to Plays Pleasant 110