8vo. Half-title; 2p. publisher's advertisements at end. (Some very slight soiling and spotting to a few leaves, a few tiny marginal pencil marks.) Original blue cloth-backed linen, gilt-lettered on spine (some light soiling and wear); cloth slipcase. 

FIRST EDITION, written by Shaw "for the assistance of those who wish to be introduced to the work on equal terms with that inner circle of adepts...The reason is that its dramatic moments lie quite outside the consciousness of people whose joys and sorrows are all domestic and personal, and whose religions and political ideas are purely conventional and superstitious" (Preface, p.[v]). Laurence A31. 

[Tipped in:] SHAW. Autograph note signed ("G. Bernard Shaw"), to an unnamed recipient, 1 June 1924. In full: "You seem to be possessed by the demon that formerly possessed Southey. Exorcism is the only remedy I can suggest."