SHAW (GEORGE BERNARD, 1856-1950, playwright, critic, Fabian) ACERBIC AUTOGRAPH ANSWERS, written in reply to a second set of eight typed questions, each on a separate sheet, put to him by Ian Coster of The Sunday Dispatch ('...re-written in the hope that Mr. Shaw may be kind and gracious enough to answer them and thereby make a leader-page article...'), with a scathing covering note, written in red ink and initialled 'GBS': 'You had better tear these up; for you have missed your chance by not putting a single topical question admitting of a brief answer. I warned you not to ask me for a volume on democracy. All your other questions have been asked and answered a hundred times and are neither acute nor amusing. There is no knowledge and no work behind your job. The Dispatch may give you an obscure corner if the sub. is very hard pressed for matter to fill up; but he cannot let down his front page with such resourceless muck. Take your profession seriously or it wont take you seriously. GBS' some sample questions include: why does he write plays ('It is my profession. Haven't you heard?'); does Britain need a Mussolini ('No...But if you are not very careful you will get one.'); is On the Rocks your last play ('Consult an actuary.'); what is your Christmas message? ('I do not send Xmas messages. You will find several in the gospels and elsewhere that still await attention.'); did you dictate On the Rocks?...or write it in shorthand? ('In shorthand. Do not, however, conclude that if you learn shorthand you will be able to write plays.'), 8 pages, quarto, with the autograph envelope, paper-clip stains at the head of leaves, postmarked 8 December 1933

£1,250