1909
by Shaw, George Bernard
1909. Shaw's Parliamentary Testimony Against Censorship Shaw, George Bernard [1856-1950]. Statement of the Evidence in Chief of George Bernard Shaw Before the Joint-Committee on Stage Plays (Censorship and Theatre Licensing). [Edinburgh]: Printed Privately [by R. and R. Clark], 1909. 55, [1] pp. Octavo (6-3/4" x 4-1/2"). Stab-stitched pamphlet in stiff printed wrappers. Light toning and fading to wrappers, which are separating slightly from text block at head but secure, light soiling to rear wrapper. Light toning to interior, negligible light foxing to a few leaves. $450. * Only edition, one of 250 copies. Shaw's testimony before the 1909 Parliamentary committee was part of his lifelong campaign to end censorship in the theater. He prepared the present volume beforehand, but the committee (perhaps as anticipated) rejected his request to read it out or print it in its report. It remains a key document in the history of censorship in Great Britain, which officially ended for the stage in 1968. (Inventory #: 73010)