George Bernard Shaw took to task the dramatic conventions of the late 19th century and dealt with issues that had previously been ignored, such as religion, economics, domestic conflict, and the role of women in society. Shaw's career as a playwright spanned more than 50 years, and his plays Major Barbara , Pygmalion , and Heartbreak House endure as popular classics. This new edition of critical essays delves into Shaw's literary legacy and features a chronology of his life, a handy bibliography, an index for reference, and an introduction from Yale literary scholar Harold Bloom.