George Bernard Shaw: The Man, The Myth, The Legend When George Bernard Shaw was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1856, the Crimean War was raging and Queen Victoria of Great Britain had barely reached middle age. By the time of his death in 1950, the atomic bomb and television were realities. "By living for nearly a century, Shaw was in a unique position to bear witness to the rise of modernity" (Bemrose 57). Shaw used his time in this world to become one of the greatest playwrights, philosophers, and critics who ever lived. His thoughts and words have influenced many people