Bernard Shaws Irish Outlook [Hardcover]

Using close readings of Shaw's plays and letters, as well as archival research, David Clare illustrates that Shaw regularly placed Irish, Irish Diasporic, and surrogate Irish characters into his plays in order to comment on Anglo-Irish relations and to explore the nature of Irishness.

A concluding section on the long tail of Shaws evolved Stage Englishman on Irish authors from Joyce to Brendan Behan is splendid proof of Shaws artistry and Clares erudition. Although Bernard Shaws Irish Outlook is addressed primarily to Irish studies, Clare accomplishes the daunting task of making the intricacies of Irish history, politics, and aesthetics compelling to all literature and theatre scholars. (Lawrence Switzky, Canadian Journal of Irish Studies, Vol. 41, 2018)

Although Shaw was determined to show the Englishman his own absurdities, his stage Englishman, exemplified by sentimental hypocrite Tom Broadbent in John Bulls Other Island, is far more nuanced than the crass stage Irishman presented by English writers. This perspective, along with Clares persuasive positioning of Shaw as a Revival writer who maintained a strong Irish outlook throughout his life, makes his book a fascinating and important addition to Shavian scholarship. (Eleanor Fitzsimons, The Irish Times, irishtimes.com, October, 2017)

Clares style is critically engaged and thought-provoking but accessible throughout. He is full of enthusiasm for Shaws work and this imbues his work with a dynamism and energy throughout which makes it a pleasure to read. His book can be enjoyed and understood by academics, Shaw enthusiasts and the informed layman alike. (Michelle C. Paull, The Shavian, Vol. 13 (6), 2017)

The book offers the first comprehensive examination of Shaws Irishness as being central to his perspective. David Clare provides intelligent contextual readings of Shaws life and writings that place him firmly in l3;