Shaw, George Bernard | The Millionairess, two important presentation copies

Shaw, George Bernard

The Millionairess, Rough Proof: unpublished. Privately printed, July 1935. 8vo. Proof copy, one of 25. Publisher's printed wrappers; covers a little worn and scratched, spine cracked with some loss. Presentation copy, inscribed to the title-page by the author to Dame Edith Evans "to thee, Edith, to thee", dated 6 August 1935, the role of Epifania highlighted in pencil throughout the text.

[With:]

The Millionairess, Rehearsal copy. Privately printed, March 1940. 8vo. Publisher's printed wrappers, "Second edition revised" in the author's hand to cover; small marginal tear to upper cover, pine cracked with some loss. Presentation copy, with a lengthy inscription to the fly by the author to Dame Edith Evans, the original intended Epifania, sharing the revised copy and the details of a judo instructor with whom he would like Edith to train for the role, the role of Epifania highlighted in pencil and pen throughout the text, with some lines crossed out and revised in manuscript (presumably in Evans's hand).

Probably the most important two copies of the play.

Shaw wrote the leading role of the spoilt heiress for Dame Edith Evans (1888-1976), the renowned thespian. The proof copy was sent to her with a warm and hopeful presentation inscription from Shaw; "...written with an eye (and heart) to thee, Edith, to thee." Evans famously spurned the part, calling it "too icy", and evidently taking offence at Shaw's suggestion of her for such a role. Despite Shaw's appeals, she continued to refuse, and he eventually saw Elspeth March take the role.

Shaw finally got his wish five years later, in 1940, when Evans agreed to take the role upon the condition that he undertook several revisions. Thus, the jubilant Shaw presented the second, revised copy to Edith on 18 March 1940 with changes to pages 139 and 162, where boxing is changed to judo. In the presentation inscription Shaw explains, "The original boxing business was hopelessly ugly, unconvincing, and ineffective: Judo is very effective and perfectly ladylike." The Millionairess, with Edith Evans as Epifania, toured around the counties of the United Kingdom during the summer of 1940. To Shaw's immense disappointment, however, the London leg of the tour was cancelled due to the Blitz.

Two wonderful pieces of theatrical history.