Nobel Prize–winning Irish dramatist and critic (1856–1950) who takes a place among the most distinguished and influential literary figures of his time. ALS signed “G. B. S.,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, July 22, 1906. Letter to American actor and impresario Arnold Daly, who produced and acted in several Shaw plays. In part, “Why do you not form a combination with Frohman or Klaw or some of the people who control theatres? Loraine did that; and Frohman tasted the blood of the Superman in such inebriating draughts that he is probably open to a deal. All you have to stipulate is that you are not to be interfered with on the stage…It is no use asking me to reduce my terms for two reasons. First, they would screw out of you any advantage I gave you (for instance, how much of the $5000 I cried off has really gone into your pocket?) Second, I cannot give secret discounts. I always pledge myself to Klaw, Frohman, Loraine & the rest that I am playing fair and asking them no more than I ask everyone else…There is only one disadvantage in dealing with me: it screws up the moral standard of you very severely. You can do little - besides acting - except fast and pray. You have to choose between living the life of a saint and being driven to a suicide’s grave by myself and Moriarty…He has a theory about your primal gland which is very complicated & ingenious, the upshot of it all being that if you were of Leuton stock you would attain a very high position as a manager and actor, but being as you are, Irish, you will die within four years of drink and swelled head. He says the swelled head is justifiable…but that your self respect is very delicate…and that a single glass of alcohol utterly destroys your fine edge and makes a ruffian of you. All this may be nonsense, but Moriarty is full of it, and is determined that you shall die to prove his case. I, on the other hand, want to get more out of you, as you have certain uncommon points which are amusing & congenial…and I am resolved to torture you with devilish persistence and integrity until you either fulfill Moriarty’s prophecy or else achieve a distinguished position and high personal reputation - in short, rise to the height of the great Shavian tradition. I am a frightful man to have anything to do with; but you are in for it now and can’t help yourself. Look out for a dignified opportunity of exploding Mrs. Warren [Shaw’s play Mrs. Warren’s Profession] again on the community…Brassbound [his play Captain Brassbound’s Conversion] & Cesar [his play Cesar and Cleopatra] will stir up the boom…try John Bull again…Can you play Keegan…It’s a most beautiful part - for a total abstainer.” In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds with just a touch of mild toning and light show-through from crisply penned text. Inspired by Richard Mansfield’s production of The Devil's Disciple, Daly determined to present Shaw on the American stage, and in 1903 he came into prominence when he played successfully in Candida. His production of Mrs. Warren’s Profession (1905) caused an uproar and the arrest of the principal actors, but they were immediately acquitted. R&R COA.
