George Bernard Shaw

[Francis Asis]

Can anyone tell me why George Bernard Shaw is sometimes referred to as just Bernard Shaw?

Thanks in advance

[andy hughes]

Because that's his surname - I'm pretty sure I'm right, QM are you out there?

[Quizmonkey]

I think I'm right in saying that Bernard's not part of his surname but his 'middle name'. But he hated George so he called himself Bernard Shaw. Many people have stuck to that.

[Francis Asis]

Thanks for that, Quizmonkey's answer makes me ask "why does he sometimes use the George?"

[Quizmonkey]

Well, it's not him using the George, is it?! He's long dead: it's everyone else using his full name and not realising his own disliking of it.

[Francis Asis]

Sorry if I'm being thick but I still don't understand why one book from a publisher will be by GBS and another by the same publisher is by BS. There must be a reason.