Pygmalion and Major Barbara (Bantam Classics)

Rating:
Summary: Manipulation in the name of science...
Review: Before I read Pygmalion everythin I knew was, that is was connected to the musical 'My fair lady'. So first of all I was scared because musicals arer not the kind of entertainment I prefer. But while reading it the manipulation of a poor an first mentally weak girl in the name of science an in a sadistic and somehow abusing way kept me in suspense to go on reading. And beside that human-despising experiment a little love story evolved to a happy end. To conclude I want to justify the 'just' three stars: I don't like love stories.

Rating:
Summary: Praise for Shaw's Voice
Review: Shaw masters satire in Pymalion his play with a double edged sword. A superficial examination of the play reveals it to be a self-rightoues lesson in grammar. But a deeper inspection shows it tobe a toungue in cheek comedy (albeit a critical one) that reveals much about the British society of the time (particularly linguistically speaking). Henry Higgin's unabashed condescending attitude provide many laughs while Eliza's emotion filled responses are also humorous and no less insightful. The prolougue although irritating to most, gives the play a unique voice and the epilogue although considered by many to be a literary fallacy says true to Shaw's style. I have only one complaint about this book that I can rant on about to no end, that fact that he say's English is the language of the Bible. Is English the lanuguage of Crime and Punishment or Metamorphosis because it was translated in English? Please, don't insult us. But aside from that it is a Brilliant play!

Rating:
Summary: The Pygmalion was wonderful, but Major Barbara...?
Review: This was, all in all, a charming little book. I loved the Pygmalion and the manipulative male lead, Professor Higgins. Major Barbara, on the other hand, was as boring as could be. The preface? Don't even bother reading. It was absolute boredom, and completely unaffective on the reading of Major Barbara. The Pygmalion, while I did not particularly enjoy the epilogue (I'm a romantic), was very clever and yes, probably the real aspect of how things turn out. So, all being said, read the book! It is a delightful little sample of Shaw's work.