This abstract is from the cover of the book.
In this critical biography of the enigmatic man hailed as the second greatest playwright in the English language, Sally Peters explores Shaw's background and beliefs, interests and obsessions, relationships with men and women, prose writings, and dramatic art. Deciphering Shaw reveals his convoluted and extravagant inner life, studded with erotic secrets.
“Certainly Charlotte [Shaw's wife] provided Shaw relief from the pressure of pursuing women and from some other suspicions of perpetual bachelorhood. Shaw referred those who were curious about the psychopathy of bachelordom and spinsterhood, to the monumental work, of his friend Havelock Ellis. If marriage provided a haven from pursuit and observation, it did not affect Shaw's self-identity. As with certain well-known homosexuals, the fact of marriage seemed irrelevant. [Oscar] Wilde had been respectably married and fathered two sons. Likewise, Symonds had married and fathered fours daughters, explaining to Carpenter that homosexuality does not interfere with marriage when that is sought as a domestic institution, as it always is among men who want children for helpers in their work and women to keep their households., But for Shaw domesticity was one thing, fathering children another thing entirely.”
—Sally Peters, from BERNARD SHAW, pp. 217
“Most interesting! People aren't usually serious about Shaw's sexuality. They mock it. They indulge in banter and persiflage. Or they deny he had any sexuality to be serious about. Ms. Peters may be the first person to take a good hard look. With, yes, most interesting results.”
—Eric Bentley
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