In this great sense Shaw has brought philosophy back into drama—philosophy in the sense of a certain freedom of the mind. This is not a freedom to think what one likes (which is absurd, for one can only think what one thinks); it is a freedom to think about what one likes, which is quite a different thing and the spring of all thought. Shakespeare (in a weak moment, I think) said that all the world is a stage. But Shakespeare acted on the much finer principle that a stage is all the world. So there are in all Bernard Shaw's plays patches of what people would call essentially undramatic stuff, which the dramatist puts in because he is honest and would rather prove his case than succeed with his play. Shaw has brought back into English drama that Shakespearian universality which, if you like, you can call Shakespearian irrelevance. Perhaps a better definition than either is a habit of thinking the truth worth telling even when you meet it by accident. In Shaw's plays one meets an incredible number of truths by accident.

To be up to date is a paltry ambition except in an almanac, and Shaw has sometimes talked this almanac philosophy. Nevertheless there is a real sense in which the phrase may be wisely used, and that is in cases where some stereotyped version of what is happening hides what is really happening from our eyes. Thus, for instance, newspapers are never up to date. The men who write leading articles are always behind the times, because they are in a hurry. They are forced to fall back on their old-fashioned view of things; they have no time to fashion a new one. Everything that is done in a hurry is certain to be antiquated; that is why modern industrial civilisation bears so curious a resemblance to barbarism. Thus when newspapers say that theTimesis a solemn old Tory paper, they are out of date; their talk is behind the talk in Fleet Street. Thus when newspapers say that Christian dogmas are crumbling, they are out of date; their talk is behind the talk in public-houses. Now in this sense Shaw has kept in a really stirring sense up to date. He has introduced into the theatre the things that no one else had introduced into a theatre—the things in the street outside. The theatre is a sort of thing which proudly sends a hansom-cabacross the stage as Realism, while everybody outside is whistling for motor-cabs.

Consider in this respect how many and fine have been Shaw's intrusions into the theatre with the things that were really going on. Daily papers and daily matinées were still gravely explaining how much modern war depended on gunpowder.Arms and the Manexplained how much modern war depends on chocolate. Every play and paper described the Vicar who was a mild Conservative.Candidacaught hold of the modern Vicar who is an advanced Socialist. Numberless magazine articles and society comedies describe the emancipated woman as new and wild. OnlyYou Never Can Tellwas young enough to see that the emancipated woman is already old and respectable. Every comic paper has caricatured the uneducated upstart. Only the author ofMan and Supermanknew enough about the modern world to caricature the educated upstart—the man Straker who can quote Beaumarchais, though he cannot pronounce him. This is the second real and great work of Shaw—the letting in of the world on to the stage, as the rivers were let in upon the Augean Stable. He has let a little of the Haymarket into the Haymarket Theatre. He has permitted somewhispers of the Strand to enter the Strand Theatre. A variety of solutions in philosophy is as silly as it is in arithmetic, but one may be justly proud of a variety of materials for a solution. After Shaw, one may say, there is nothing that cannot be introduced into a play if one can make it decent, amusing, and relevant. The state of a man's health, the religion of his childhood, his ear for music, or his ignorance of cookery can all be made vivid if they have anything to do with the subject. A soldier may mention the commissariat as well as the cavalry; and, better still, a priest may mention theology as well as religion. That is being a philosopher; that is bringing the universe on the stage.

Lastly, he has obliterated the mere cynic. He has been so much more cynical than anyone else for the public good that no one has dared since to be really cynical for anything smaller. The Chinese crackers of the frivolous cynics fail to excite us after the dynamite of the serious and aspiring cynic. Bernard Shaw and I (who are growing grey together) can remember an epoch which many of his followers do not know: an epoch of real pessimism. The years from 1885 to 1898 were like the hours of afternoon in a richhouse with large rooms; the hours before tea-time. They believed in nothing except good manners; and the essence of good manners is to conceal a yawn. A yawn may be defined as a silent yell. The power which the young pessimist of that time showed in this direction would have astonished anyone but him. He yawned so wide as to swallow the world. He swallowed the world like an unpleasant pill before retiring to an eternal rest. Now the last and best glory of Shaw is that in the circles where this creature was found, he is not. He has not been killed (I don't know exactly why), but he has actually turned into a Shaw idealist. This is no exaggeration. I meet men who, when I knew them in 1898, were just a little too lazy to destroy the universe. They are now conscious of not being quite worthy to abolish some prison regulations. This destruction and conversion seem to me the mark of something actually great. It is always great to destroy a type without destroying a man. The followers of Shaw are optimists; some of them are so simple as even to use the word. They are sometimes rather pallid optimists, frequently very worried optimists, occasionally, to tell the truth, rather crossoptimists: but they not pessimists; they can exult though they cannot laugh. He has at least withered up among them the mere pose of impossibility. Like every great teacher, he has cursed the barren fig-tree. For nothing except that impossibility is really impossible.

I know it is all very strange. From the height of eight hundred years ago, or of eight hundred years hence, our age must look incredibly odd. We call the twelfth century ascetic. We call our own time hedonist and full of praise and pleasure. But in the ascetic age the love of life was evident and enormous, so that it had to be restrained. In an hedonist age pleasure has always sunk low, so that it has to be encouraged. How high the sea of human happiness rose in the Middle Ages, we now only know by the colossal walls that they built to keep it in bounds. How low human happiness sank in the twentieth century our children will only know by these extraordinary modern books, which tell people that it is a duty to be cheerful and that life is not so bad after all. Humanity never produces optimists till it has ceased to producehappy men. It is strange to be obliged to impose a holiday like a fast, and to drive men to a banquet with spears. But this shall be written of our time: that when the spirit who denies besieged the last citadel, blaspheming life itself, there were some, there was one especially, whose voice was heard and whose spear was never broken.

THE END

Heretics. Essays.12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents.

"Always entertaining."—New York Evening Sun."Always original."—Chicago Tribune.

"Always entertaining."—New York Evening Sun.

"Always original."—Chicago Tribune.

Orthodoxy. Uniform with "Heretics."

12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents.

"Here is a man with something to say."—Brooklyn Life."A work of genius."—Chicago Evening Post."'Orthodoxy' is the most important religious work that has appeared since Emerson."—North American Review."Is likely to produce a sensation. An extraordinary book which ill be much read and talked about."—New York Globe.

"Here is a man with something to say."—Brooklyn Life.

"A work of genius."—Chicago Evening Post.

"'Orthodoxy' is the most important religious work that has appeared since Emerson."—North American Review.

"Is likely to produce a sensation. An extraordinary book which ill be much read and talked about."—New York Globe.

All Things Considered. Essays on various subjects, such as:

Conceit and Caricature; Spiritualism; Science and Religion; Woman, etc.12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents."Full of the author's abundant vitality, wit and unflinching optimism."—Book News.

Conceit and Caricature; Spiritualism; Science and Religion; Woman, etc.

12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents.

"Full of the author's abundant vitality, wit and unflinching optimism."—Book News.

The Napoleon of Notting Hill. 12mo.$1.50.

"A brilliant piece of satire, gemmed with ingenious paradox." —Boston Herald.

George Bernard Shaw. An illustrated Biography.

12 mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents.

The Ball and the Cross. 12mo.$1.50.

Gilbert K. Chesterton.A Criticism.

Cloth. 12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 12 cents.

An illustrated biography of this brilliant author; also an able review of his works."The anonymous author is a critic with uncommon discrimination and good sense. Mr. Chesterton possesses one of the best attributes of genius—impersonality."—Baltimore News.

An illustrated biography of this brilliant author; also an able review of his works.

"The anonymous author is a critic with uncommon discrimination and good sense. Mr. Chesterton possesses one of the best attributes of genius—impersonality."—Baltimore News.

Uniform sets boxed.8 volumes. Cloth. $12.00 net.Express extra. $1.50 net each. Postage 10 cents.

***"If we were asked to name the three authors writing in English to-day to whom the highest rank of cleverness and brilliancy might be accorded, we would not hesitate to place among them Vernon Lee."—Baltimore Sun.

Laurus Nobilis.Essays on Art and Life.

Renaissance Fancies and Studies.

The Countess of Albany.

Limbo and Other Essays, including: "Ariadne in Mantua"

Pope Jacynth, and Other Fantastic Tales

Hortus Vitæ, or the Hanging Gardens

The Sentimental Traveller

The Enchanted Woods

The Spirit of Rome

Genius Loci

Hauntings

Apologia Diffidentis.An intimate personal book.

Cloth. 8vo. $2.50 net. Postage 15 cents.

***"Mr. Leith formulates the anatomy of diffidence as Burton did of melancholy; and it might almost be said that he has done it with equal charm. The book surpasses in beauty and distinction of style any other prose work of the past few years. Its charm is akin to that of Mr. A. C. Benson's earlier books, yet Mr. Benson at his best has never equalled this.... A human document as striking as it is unusual.... The impress of truth and wisdom lies deep upon every page."—The Dial.

"Anatole France is a writer whose personality is very strongly reflected in his works.... To reproduce his evanescent grace and charm is not to be lightly achieved, but the translators have done their work with care, distinction, and a very happy sense of the value of words."—Daily Graphic."We must now all read all of Anatole France. The offer is too good to be shirked. He is just Anatole France, the greatest living writer of French."—Daily Chronicle.Complete Limited Edition in EnglishUnder the general editorship of Frederic Chapman. 8vo., special light-weight paper, wide margins, Caslon type, bound in red and gold, gilt top, and papers from designs by Beardsley, initials by Ospovat.$2.00 per volume(except John of Arc),postpaid.

"We must now all read all of Anatole France. The offer is too good to be shirked. He is just Anatole France, the greatest living writer of French."—Daily Chronicle.

Complete Limited Edition in English

Under the general editorship of Frederic Chapman. 8vo., special light-weight paper, wide margins, Caslon type, bound in red and gold, gilt top, and papers from designs by Beardsley, initials by Ospovat.$2.00 per volume(except John of Arc),postpaid.

The Secret Life.Being the Book of a Heretic.

12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 10 cents.

"A book of untrammelled thought on living topics. Extraordinarily interesting."—Philadelphia Press."Excellent style, quaint humor, and shrewd philosophy."—Review of Reviews.

"A book of untrammelled thought on living topics. Extraordinarily interesting."—Philadelphia Press.

"Excellent style, quaint humor, and shrewd philosophy."—Review of Reviews.

Seekers in Sicily.Being a Quest for Persephone, byElizabeth BislandandAnne Hoyt.

Cloth. 12mo. $1.50 net. Postage 20 cents. Illustrated.

***A delightful account of Sicily, its people, country, and villages. More than a guide book, this volume is a comprehensive account of what all who are interested in this beautiful island wish to know.

Stained Glass Tours in France.How to reach the examples of XIIIth, XIVth, XVth and XVIth Century Stained Glass in France (with maps and itineraries) and what they are.Ornamental cloth. 12mo. Profusely illustrated. $1.50. net. Postage 14 cents.

"This book should make a place for itself."—Chicago Tribune."This story of glass has swept me off my feet. Instead of a world of technicalities I met entertainment, and yet that entertainment never abandoned the natural level of dignity belonging to the subject."—Ferdinand Schwill, Professor of Modern History, University of Chicago."A more unique or more delightful travel book has not been written."—Toronto Mail and Empire.

"This book should make a place for itself."—Chicago Tribune.

"This story of glass has swept me off my feet. Instead of a world of technicalities I met entertainment, and yet that entertainment never abandoned the natural level of dignity belonging to the subject."—Ferdinand Schwill, Professor of Modern History, University of Chicago.

"A more unique or more delightful travel book has not been written."—Toronto Mail and Empire.

Stained Glass Tours in England.

Illustrated. Cloth 8vo. $2.50 net. Postage 20 cents.

"Just the information that many travellers in England need. All in an orderly and sprightly manner."—Professor William Lyon Phelps, Yale University."Well conceived and original."—Athenæum.***"In these days of universal travel and of the almost universal writing of travel books, it is unusual to find an author whose point of view is unique and whose subject-matter is unhackneyed. Mr. Sherrill has met both of these difficult requirements."—The Dial.

"Just the information that many travellers in England need. All in an orderly and sprightly manner."—Professor William Lyon Phelps, Yale University.

"Well conceived and original."—Athenæum.

***"In these days of universal travel and of the almost universal writing of travel books, it is unusual to find an author whose point of view is unique and whose subject-matter is unhackneyed. Mr. Sherrill has met both of these difficult requirements."—The Dial.

Captain Desmond, V.C.

Ornamental cloth.12mo. $1.50.

"A story of the Punjab frontier. The theme is that of Kipling's 'Story of the Gadsbys'—a brilliant and convincing study of an undying problem."—London Post.

The Great Amulet12mo.$1.50.

A love-story dealing with army life in India.

Candles in the Wind12mo.$1.50.

The Strongest Plume12mo.$1.50.

"Deals with a problem quite worthy of serious consideration, frankly but restrainedly. Excellent studies of character."—London Daily News.

A Boy's Marriage12mo.$1.50.

The High Adventure12mo.$1.50.

"Admirably well told with distinctive literary skill."—Philadelphia Press.

The Way Things Happen12mo.$1.50.

"Fantastic and agreeable—an effort somewhat in the manner of Mr. W. J. Locke."—Glasgow Evening News.

Arthur's Hotel12mo.$1.50.

"Sketches of low life in London. The book will delight visitors to the slums."—New York Sun.

Sixpenny Pieces12mo.$1.50.

The Story of a "Sixpenny Doctor" in the East end of London. The volume is instinct with a realism that differs altogether from the so-called realism of the accepted "gutter" novels, for it is the realism of life as it is, and not as imagined.

Life is a glorious thing."—W. J. Locke

"If you wish to be lifted out of the petty cares of to-day, read one of Locke's novels. You may select any from the following titles and be certain of meeting some new and delightful friends. His characters are worth knowing."—Baltimore Sun.

12mo. Cloth. $1.50 each.

Eleven volumes bound in green cloth. Uniform edition in box. $16.50 per set. Half morocco $45.00 net. Express prepaid.

The Belovéd Vagabond

"'The Belovéd Vagabond' is a gently-written, fascinating tale. Make his acquaintance some dreary, rain-soaked evening and find the vagabond nerve-thrilling in your own heart."—Chicago Record-Herald.

Septimus

"Septimus is the joy of the year."—American Magazine.

The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne

"A literary event of the first importance."—Boston Herald."One of those rare and much-to-be-desired stories which keep one divided between an interested impatience to get on, and an irresistible temptation to linger for full enjoyment by the way."—Life.

"A literary event of the first importance."—Boston Herald.

"One of those rare and much-to-be-desired stories which keep one divided between an interested impatience to get on, and an irresistible temptation to linger for full enjoyment by the way."—Life.

Where Love Is

"A capital story told with skill."—New York Evening Sun."One of those unusual novels of which the end is as good as the beginning."—New York Globe.

"A capital story told with skill."—New York Evening Sun.

"One of those unusual novels of which the end is as good as the beginning."—New York Globe.

The Usurper

"Contains the hall-mark of genius itself. The plot is masterly conception, the descriptions are all vivid flashes from a brilliant pen. It is impossible to read and not marvel at the skilled workmanship and the constant dramatic intensity of the incident, situations and climax."—The Boston Herald.

Derelicts

"Mr. Locke tells his story in a very true, a very moving, and a very noble book. If any one can read the last chapter with dry eyes we shall be surprised. 'Derelicts' is an impressive, an important book. Yvonne is a creation that any artist might be proud of."—The Daily Chronicle.

Idols

"One of the very few distinguished novels of this present book season."—The Daily Mail."A brilliantly written and eminently readable book."—The London Daily Telegraph.

"One of the very few distinguished novels of this present book season."—The Daily Mail.

"A brilliantly written and eminently readable book."—The London Daily Telegraph.

A Study in Shadows

"Mr. Locke has achieved a distinct success in this novel. He has struck many emotional chords, and struck them all with a firm, sure hand. In the relations between Katherine and Raine he had a delicate problem to handle, and he has handled it delicately."—The Daily Chronicle.

The White Dove

"It is an interesting story. The characters are strongly conceived and vividly presented, and the dramatic moments are powerfully realized."—The Morning Post.

The Demagogue and Lady Phayre

"Think of Locke's clever books. Then think of a book as different from any of these as one can well imagine—that will be Mr. Locke's new book."—New York World.

At the Gate of Samaria

"William J. Locke's novels are nothing if not unusual. They are marked by a quaint originality. The habitual novel reader inevitably is grateful for a refreshing sense of escaping the commonplace path of conclusion."—Chicago Record-Herald.

Back to Index Next

ADVERTISEMENTS