GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
(1856-1950) British playwright and critic with classic ascerbic wit. His works include Pygmalion, The Devil's Disciple, and much criticism of the arts. A.L.S. on his correspondence card, 2pp. 12mo., Ayot St. Lawrence, Nov. 7, 1920 to his friend Gilbert Murray, a scholar of ancient Greece who also served as the basis for the character of Adolphus Cusins in Shaw's play "Major Barbara". In part: "...I have been waiting for the enclosed proof to write to you...will you go through it and expose to me any howlers that may betray the enormity of my ignorance. Parts of the five plays will amuse you. I will send you the book...I know your chances at Edinburgh would vanish at a touch from me, but could not resist meddling. At the last general election, I made 13 star speeches...not one of the 13 candidates got in. The young Countess in Vienna sent me back the money she had demanded for the starving and moribund Moissi (the actor), having ascertained he was acting vigourously every night...Can you explain how it is that you...have produced a large batch of children who are all as made as hatters?...". Spindle hole affects one word in text, else very good. Shaw undoubtedly refers to the publication of his "Back to Methuselah" set of five plays, published in 1920.