Book description
When Ellie Dunn joins a house-party at the home of the eccentric
Captain Shotover, she causes a stir with her decision to marry for money
rather than love, and the Captain's forthright daughter Hesione protests
vigorously against the pragmatic young woman's choice. Opinion on the
matter quickly divides and a lively argument about money and morality,
idealism and realism ensues as Hesione's rakish husband, snobbish sister
and Ellie's fianc - a wealthy industrialist - enter the debate. Written
between 1916 and 1917 as war raged across Europe, Heartbreak House is a
telling indictment of the generation responsible for the First World
War. With its bold combination of high farce and bitter tragedy, Shaw's
play remains an uncannily prophetic depiction of a society on the
threshold of an abrupt awakening.
Dublin-born George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an active Socialist
and a brilliant platform speaker. He was strongly critical of London
theatre and closely associated with the intellectual revival of
British drama.
Dan H. Laurence has edited Shaw's Collected Letters and Collected
Plays with their Prefaces. He was Literary Advisor to the Shaw Estate
until his retirement in 1990.
David Hare is an internationally-renowned playwright. Works include
Plenty, The Judas Kiss, and The Blue Room.
