Edmond Rostand Libri

This is Edmond Rostand's immortal play in which chivalry and wit, bravery and love are forever captured in the timeless spirit of romance. Set in Louis XIII’s reign, it is the moving and exciting drama of one of the finest swordsmen in France, gallant soldier, brilliant wit, tragic poet-lover with the face of a clown. Rostand’s extraordinary lyric powers gave birth to a universal hero—Cyrano De Bergerac—and ensured his own reputation as author of one of the best-loved plays in the literature of the stage. This translation, by the American poet Brian Hooker, is nearly as famous as the original play itself, and is generally considered to be one of the finest English verse translations ever written.

The collection features two distinct interpretations of the legendary character Don Juan. "Mister Jack" by Marvin Kaye offers a contemporary take, while "Don Juan's Final Night," adapted from Rostand's work, explores the character's last moments. The volume is enriched with an introduction that provides historical context and staging insights, along with an Afterword that delves into "Mister Jack's Technique for Looking at Women," enhancing the understanding of themes related to gender and perception.

A diverse cast of six characters, comprising five males and one female, navigates complex relationships and personal struggles. The interplay between their distinct personalities drives the narrative, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and conflict. As they confront challenges together, their individual stories intertwine, revealing deeper insights into their motivations and desires. The dynamics within this group create a rich tapestry of interactions, making for a compelling exploration of human connection and resilience.

As a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, this book preserves the cultural significance of its content despite potential imperfections such as marks and notations. It reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting literature by providing modern editions that remain true to the original. This effort aims to make important literary works accessible while honoring their historical context.

This antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of an original work, emphasizing its cultural significance. While it may include imperfections like marks and marginalia due to its age, the reprint aims to preserve and promote the literature in a modern, high-quality format. This commitment highlights the importance of making historical texts accessible to contemporary readers.

“CYRANO need not have diminished emotional impact when divorced from the grand acting style for which the play was conceived. Its lyrical scenes still etch a portrait of Cyrano as a man of uncompromising bravery except in matters of the heart. They come off beautifully in the intimate off-Broadway-size Roundabout Theater. To the open minded, Langella’s work will hardly seem felonious and it may be a breakthrough!”David Patrick Stearns, U S A Today “Frank Langella has abridged the text and given the play a bare-bones production shorn of extravagance. CYRANO is compelling enough in its characterizations, dialogue and situations to withstand minimalism.”Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter “Frank Langella’s adaptation is relatively short, fast and intimate. The speed of the shortened version allows the ideas behind the play to emerge with great force and clarity. The result is a terrifically enjoyable and surprising thought-provoking piece of theater.”Fintan O’Toole, Daily News (New York)