Candida

Candida by George Bernard Shaw, published by Penguin Publishing Group on June 27, 2006, is a notable work that marks the beginning of Shaw’s career as a dramatist. This edition features the definitive text of the play, which is part of the official Bernard Shaw Library. The narrative revolves around the Reverend Morell, a socialist preacher, who invites a penniless young poet, Eugene Marchbanks, into his home, where the dynamic is influenced by his captivating wife, Candida. The play is characterized by its single stage setting and a small cast of six characters, presenting a romantic triangle while parodying themes of courtly love and domestic drama.

Readers will find that Candida is rich with classical allusions and reflects the fervor of a religious revival, alongside poetic inspiration. The play’s exploration of relationships and aspirations is underscored by its literary significance within the realms of drama and literary criticism. This edition, comprising 112 pages, also includes Shaw’s preface from 1898, providing additional context to the work. The language of the text is English, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in European drama and literary collections.