A hardback mid-20th-century edition of Candida, the celebrated play by George Bernard Shaw, published by Longmans, Green and Co. in 1956, with introduction and notes by A. C. Ward.
This is a working, annotated copy, extensively marked throughout in blue and red ink, clearly used for serious literary study, teaching, or theatrical analysis rather than casual reading.
The volume contains dense, continuous handwritten marginalia, commentary, underlining, and scene analysis across multiple acts. The annotations demonstrate close reading of character psychology, motivation, rhetoric, and structure — particularly focusing on Candida, Marchbanks, and Morell — and appear to be contemporary to the period of use, likely late 1950s–1960s.
This transforms the book from a standard reading copy into a document of literary engagement, appealing to Shaw scholars, drama students, directors, and collectors of annotated texts.
Edition Details
🌿 Hardback cloth-bound volume
🌿 Candida: A Mystery in Three Acts
🌿 By Bernard Shaw
🌿 Introduction and notes by A. C. Ward
🌿 Longmans, Green and Co., London / New York / Toronto
🌿 First published in this edition 1956
🌿 Printed in Great Britain by R. & R. Clark Ltd., Edinburgh
Annotations & Manuscript Notes
🌿 Extensive handwritten marginal notes throughout
🌿 Ink commentary analysing dialogue, themes, and character dynamics
🌿 Scene-by-scene observations and interpretive remarks
🌿 Evidence of sustained academic or theatrical use
🌿 Notes appear consistent in hand and ink, suggesting a single, dedicated reader
These markings are not random, but structured and analytical, and will be of interest to buyers seeking insight into historical approaches to Shaw’s work.
Condition
🌿 Hardback binding intact and sound
🌿 Decorative cloth boards with gilt titling and theatrical motifs
🌿 Spine firm, with rubbing and edge wear consistent with use
🌿 Pages complete; no losses
🌿 Age toning and handling marks present
🌿 Heavy internal annotation throughout (this is a defining feature, not a flaw)
Overall good used hardback condition, with wear entirely appropriate to a book that has been actively studied.
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