This work is a considerable production. the reader gets a preface, the play itself and a copy of "the Revolutionist's Handbook" written by a principal character in the play. But there is much matter to be mined, and the verbal fireworks are on full display. There is a simple plot or framing tale, and an extensive dream sequence in the middle. It would be a great experience to see the play performed, but it is much cheaper to put on the central dream sequence as a stand alone performance. this is usually called "Don Juan in Hell", and stands up well. But performed or simply read, you will get a serious exploration of Shaw's theories on how western Life should be conducted....at least his 1903 conception of it. It will read more easily than you might expect. ( )

Man and Superman, which Shaw subtitled A Comedy and A Philosophy, demonstrates his belief in the conflict between man as spiritual creator and woman as guardian of the biological continuity of the human race. The play incorporates Shaw's concept of the “life force” and satirizes the relationship between the sexes. As always his prose is a delight to read and reread. ( )

I really liked this. It needs a second-read. The morale is interesting, but Im not totally sure of everything. Is going to heaven getting married? Is hell living? Very interesting choice of morality. ( )

Man and Superman, the principle drama of this book, was the weakest part. I found that I did not enjoy Shaw's play-- which is off because I usually do garnish some sense of worth about it. Nevertheless, for me, it was a disappointing read. The other two documents in this text were interesting, but not enough to bring up the book as a whole. ( )

Review first published on BookLikes: http://brokentune.booklikes.com/post/801175/man-and-superman

"... the book about the bird and the bee is natural history. It's an awful lesson to mankind. You think that you are Ann's suitor; that you are the pursuer and she the pursued; that it is your part to woo, to persuade, to prevail, to overcome. Fool: it is you who are the pursued, the marked down quarry, the destined prey. You need not sit looking longingly at the bait through the wires of the trap: the door is open, and will remain so until it shuts behind you for ever."

I liked Man and Superman as a comedy of manners. But saying I liked it because of the flippant interplay between the characters, the witty dialogue and the satire of Edwardian society is hardly an analysis of Shaw's most philosophical work.

However, the sad truth in my case is that I just cannot remember what Shaw's point was in Man and Superman. I'm sure he had one but I got distracted by the candy-floss comedy in which he wrapped his message.

So, I may have to read this again sometime - or go and watch the play. I hear there is also a film version with Peter O'Toole. ( )