In "Quintessence of Ibsenism," George Bernard Shaw provides an insightful analysis of the plays of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Shaw delves into the themes, characters, and societal impacts of Ibsen's works, shedding light on the revolutionary ideas and social criticisms embedded in his plays.

Shaw's writing is articulate and engaging, making complex concepts accessible to readers and offering a fresh perspective on Ibsen's contributions to the theater. His admiration for Ibsen is evident throughout the book, as he highlights the playwright's commitment to truth and his fearless exploration of controversial topics.

Overall, "Quintessence of Ibsenism" is a must-read for anyone interested in Ibsen's work or the development of modern drama. Shaw's scholarship and passion for the subject make this book a valuable resource for theater enthusiasts and literary scholars alike.

Book Description:

George Bernard Shaw, a playwright with a few bones to pick of his own, undertakes a surgical analysis of the social philosophies underlying the work of Henrik Ibsen. Focusing his analysis on Ibsen's challenge to the conventional "ideals" which both Ibsen and Shaw consider the greatest evils in human society, Shaw summarizes and exposits sixteen of Ibsen's plays, seizing the opportunity to elucidate some of the principles dearest to himself. Some of the most striking passages reveal Shaw's radical feminist perspectives, some of which resonate as if a half-century ahead of their time. A fascinating revelation of the minds of two great and revolutionary writers (it's not always obvious whose voice is exactly whose), this always-timely book exposes hypocrisies still poisoning Society in the twenty-first century.