Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac is a heroic drama in five acts and in verse written by Edmond Rostand. It was performed for the first time on December 27, 1897, and is based on the life of the character that gives it its name. It was a great success at the time and has been made into a film on different occasions.
Cyrano de Bergerac is a poetic soldier, very proud and witty, but with one major flaw: he has an enormously large nose. He is in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane, but because he considers himself ugly he doesn't expect her to reciprocate. Furthermore, Roxane is in love with the handsome but unwitting soldier Christian de Neuvilette.
Cyrano agrees with Christian to write love letters to Roxane on his behalf, so that he can somehow express his feelings to her, albeit indirectly. Roxane is impressed by these letters and confesses to Christian that although she was not physically attracted to him, she has fallen in love with his soul. This is a hard blow for Christian and a very positive thing for Cyrano, since she doesn't focus on physical attractiveness but on personality.
But Christian and Cyrano have to go to war against the Spanish and things will go wrong...
This digital edition of the book Cyrano de Bergerac is based on the translation by Gladys Thomas and Mary F. Guillemard
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading Cyrano de Bergerac in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 214
- Reading time
- 3 hours 2 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1897
- Language
- French
- Downloads
- 2,458
129 years later, still timely
Why Read Cyrano de Bergerac in 2026?
Rapier wit, real courage, and love that chooses honor. The play celebrates language and shows how a generous voice can lift another person higher.
Today's connection
Great for readers who enjoy quick dialogue, letters, and grand gestures. It also opens timely talk about self image, ghostwriting, and how we present ourselves.
Language fireworks
Wordplay that moves the heart.
Brave tenderness
Courage that protects dignity.
Stage energy
Scenes built for applause and ache.
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About the author
Edmond Rostand
Panache, wit, and loyalty; a romantic hero who values honor over ease.
If this one stays with you…
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From Cyrano de Bergerac
Yes, all our souls are written in our eyes!
Well when I write my book, and tell the tale of my adventures--all these little stars that shake out of my cloak-- I must save those to use for asterisks!
A great nose may be an index of a great soul.
A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man.
It's a shame, sir, to alter a shape, as refined, as expensive as thine, but, to spare you life's endless red tape,I will edit you--There you are mine!