Shop rare books by Brendan Behan, the rebellious Irish playwright, poet, and raconteur whose life was as dramatic as his work. Brendan Behan (1923–1964), once dubbed 'the Irish Oscar Wilde with a pint in his hand', carved out a place in literary history with his raw, lyrical writing and larger-than-life personality.
Rare books by Brendan Behan capture the spirit of a man who wrote with both fire and humour about prison life, political struggle, and the human condition. Imprisoned in his youth for political activities, Behan drew directly from his experiences to create acclaimed plays like The Quare Fellow and The Hostage, which brought Irish drama to global audiences and earned him fame far beyond Dublin.
This collection showcases key works from Behan’s brief but brilliant literary career, including striking editions of The Quare Fellow, his debut play set in a grim Irish prison, and The Hostage, a provocative blend of farce, tragedy, and political satire. These rare editions range from first impressions to beautifully bound copies — ideal for collectors of Irish literature and lovers of modern theatre.
Browse our selection of Brendan Behan’s rare editions at Shapero Rare Books today.
