Shaw, George Bernard (1856-1950) Irish playwright. After a false start as
a novelist, Shaw gained a reputation as a critic. He began writing dramas in
1885 and by the turn of the century he established himself as a force in the
theater. He is as well-known for his eccentricities as he is for his plays.
Arms and the Man (1894) A satirical play set in Bulgaria which comments on
the romantic and heroic ideals of war. The light opera, The Chocolate
Soldier, was loosely based on this play.
