Originally published in 1918. Whatever one's views no one can deny the endurance or influence of a society in which the Webbs, Shaw, Annie Besant, Wallas, Wells, etc., almost all the 'personalities' of the period, were involved to a lesser or greater extent and which has played such an important part in the oscial thought of England. Yet, so little is known about the society's early history that even in 1916 Pease said that the only sources were 'shabby notebooks and the memories of a few men now rapidly approaching old age.' Since its first publication 'The History of the Fabian Society' by Edward Pease has been increasingly recognized as almost the only contemporary source for the genesis and early development of Fabianism. Twenty-five years as secretary and his presence at the institution of the Society enabled Pease, in a truly Fabian way, to give a valuable survey of the growth of the Society from its days of middle-class 'fellowship' down to the typical solid Fabian workmanship embodied in the Minority Report of the Poor-Law Commission. Margaret Cole's new introduction evaluates the present-day significance of a book which is indispensable for any student of Labour history.

When George Bernard Shaw died in 1950, the world lost one of its most well-known authors, a revolutionary who was as renowned for his personality as he was for his humour, humanity, and rebellious thinking. He remains a compelling figure who deserves attention not only for how influential he was in his time, but for how relevant he is to ours. This collection sets Shaw's life and achievements in context, with forty-two scholarly essays devoted to subjects that interested him and defined his work. Contributors explore a wide range of themes, moving from factors that were formative in Shaw's life, to the artistic work that made him most famous and the institutions with which he worked, to the political and social issues that consumed much of his attention, and, finally, to his influence and reception. Presenting fresh material and arguments, this collection will point to new directions of research for future scholars.