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The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism, Capitalism, Sovietism and Fascism

george bernard shaw susan moller okin

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1928. Shaw, Irish comic dramatist, literary critic, Socialist propagandist and winner of the Nobel prize in 1925, was an ardent socialist, a member of the Fabian Society, and a popular public speaker on behalf of socialism. The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism and Capitalism is his most notable nonfiction work. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

565 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1928

This edition

Format
565 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 1984 by Transaction Pub
ISBN
9780887380051
ASIN
0887380050
Language
English

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About the author

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george bernard shaw

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George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, socialist, and a co-founder of the London School of Economics. Although his first profitable writing was music and literary criticism, in which capacity he wrote many highly articulate pieces of journalism, his main talent was for drama. Over the course of his life he wrote more than 60 plays. Nearly all his plays address prevailing social problems, but each also includes a vein of comedy that makes their stark themes more palatable. In these works Shaw examined education, marriage, religion, government, health care, and class privilege.

An ardent socialist, Shaw was angered by what he perceived to be the exploitation of the working class. He wrote many brochures and speeches for the Fabian Society. He became an accomplished orator in the furtherance of its causes, which included gaining equal rights for men and women, alleviating abuses of the working class, rescinding private ownership of productive land, and promoting healthy lifestyles. For a short time he was active in local politics, serving on the London County Council.

In 1898, Shaw married Charlotte Payne-Townshend, a fellow Fabian, whom he survived. They settled in Ayot St. Lawrence in a house now called Shaw's Corner.

He is the only person to have been awarded both a Nobel Prize for Literature (1925) and an Oscar (1938). The former for his contributions to literature and the latter for his work on the film "Pygmalion" (adaptation of his play of the same name). Shaw wanted to refuse his Nobel Prize outright, as he had no desire for public honours, but he accepted it at his wife's behest. She considered it a tribute to Ireland. He did reject the monetary award, requesting it be used to finance translation of Swedish books to English.

Shaw died at Shaw's Corner, aged 94, from chronic health problems exacerbated by injuries incurred by falling.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 20 votes)
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20 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
PersonifiedWeeb
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Yes, this is probably the most inappropriate (to modern eyes) and most Mansplainingly-bad title ever.

And yes, Shaw is a bit of a pompous, preening prick.

However, the book is a good, informative read. Surprisingly light given its subject matter.

It's condescending but not as much as you might think. At the bottom of it, he does know his stuff and has a point to prove, which he does mainly by showing us that the points we believe in and take as givens are ridiculous.

There are some gems in it. There are some great takes on society and the utter crap we believe and put up with that are pertinent to our age. For example, the role of the media, our willingness to be distracted from glaring inequality by hours and hours of TV, booze and drugs, and the rigged system we go on moaning about but never change.

A few sections are now out of date (useful to the historian) but many more are still right on the money.

Well worth a read.
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rm4rm4rm4
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It has to be said that a man writing a book for women is an interesting concept. Perhaps he should have stuck to writing plays, as that seems to be his forte.

However, it is important to note that the book is written by Shaw, a man who is known for his intelligence and wit. While his perspective may be different from that of a woman, it does not necessarily mean that his book is without value.

Shaw may have brought a unique male perspective to the subject matter, which could offer women a new way of looking at things. Additionally, his writing style and ability to craft engaging stories may make the book an enjoyable read for both men and women alike.

Ultimately, whether or not the book is successful will depend on the individual reader's expectations and preferences. Some women may find it enlightening and thought-provoking, while others may not resonate with Shaw's ideas.

Regardless, it is always interesting to see a man attempt to write for a female audience, and it will be interesting to see how this particular book is received.
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Stellio
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I was truly amazed when I came across an original copy from 1904 that was printed in London.

It contained such great economic explanations that were not only profound but also very fitting for the time period in which it was written.

The insights provided in this old document offered a unique perspective on the economic conditions and trends of that era.

It was like taking a step back in time and observing the economic landscape through the eyes of those who lived during that period.

The language used was vivid and engaging, making it a pleasure to read and understand.

This original copy from 1904 serves as a valuable historical artifact, providing us with a wealth of information about the economic history of London and the world at large.

It is a reminder of how far we have come in our understanding of economics and how much we can still learn from the past.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this remarkable piece of literature and look forward to exploring more such treasures in the future.

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mimi_fluer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Why INTELLIGENT WOMAN'S GUIDE? Because women are naturally more intelligent than men, as G.B.S. said.

Bernard Shaw was a socialist with rather complex views. He could simultaneously praise both Lenin and Mussolini. Later, after Munich, he even nominated Adolf Hitler for the Nobel Peace Prize. This introduction aims to persuade you to embrace Fabian Socialism. According to this ideology, the capitalist enemy is gradually worn down through various means such as strikes, sit-downs, and sit-down strikes, which are considered acts of everyday rebellion.

It might seem like a not-so-bad idea at first. However, the fact that there aren't many Fabians around these days should serve as a fair warning regarding their analysis of capitalism and their proposed recipe for its downfall. THE INTELLIGENT WOMAN'S GUIDE is like a time capsule of an era when every political option, ranging from soft socialism to fascism, seemed possible. My recommendation of this curious piece is that it manages to keep hope alive for a non-capitalist future.

It offers a unique perspective on the political and social landscape of that time and can stimulate our thinking about alternative economic and social systems.
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Scoofy202
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This article is very interesting and informative.

Obviously, I do not agree with every single thing Shaw postulated. In particular, I have doubts about the feasibility of most of his ideas. However, I still enjoyed the book tremendously.

It is quite remarkable considering it is a book about politics and money. Through reading it, I feel that I have a better understanding of certain terms and ideas than I did before.

The author's exploration of these complex topics is engaging and thought-provoking. It makes me think about various aspects of politics and money in a new light.

Overall, despite my differences with some of Shaw's postulations, I would highly recommend this book to others who are interested in politics and money. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's knowledge and understanding of these important subjects.
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inuouji_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I've read snippets of this book.

It's, of course, very dated as it was written in a different era from ours. However, Shaw was making an effort to bring about change in that other age.

It's a great historical book, especially if you have an interest in the history of socialism or women's issues.

It provides valuable insights into the thoughts and efforts of those who were striving for social and political transformation during that time.

Reading this book can help us better understand the roots and development of these important movements.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the past and how it has shaped our present.

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brom2020
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read this because I was well aware that, just like the majority of people, I truly didn't have a clear understanding of what socialism actually is.

It seems that many of us have only a vague or inaccurate perception of this important concept.

However, Shaw presents himself as the perfect solution to that very problem.

His works and ideas offer a unique perspective and a comprehensive exploration of socialism.

By delving into his writings, we can hope to gain a more in-depth and accurate understanding of what socialism means, how it functions, and its potential implications.

Shaw's insights and analyses can help us to break free from the common misunderstandings and misinterpretations that often surround socialism.

He provides us with the tools and knowledge necessary to form our own informed opinions and to engage in meaningful discussions about this crucial topic.

So, I am eager to explore Shaw's ideas further and to see how they can enhance my understanding of socialism.
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usedgoods69
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I've included this in my course reader for my economics course.

It offers a critical perspective on current economic practices, which is truly remarkable.

The content is not only brilliant but also highly relevant and engaging.

It manages to present complex economic concepts in a way that is both understandable and entertaining.

The author's use of humor adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a joy to read.

By including this in the course reader, students are exposed to a different way of thinking about the economy and are encouraged to question the status quo.

This can lead to more in-depth discussions and a better understanding of the subject matter.

Overall, it is a great addition to the course and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in economics.

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