This acclaimed adaptation for the stage has garnered such reviews as: "Emotional depth Rostand himself would surely have envied...Burgess' extravag...
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Nov 10, 2011
Marty
rated it: 
YET ANOTHER READING, December 15, 2009
I forced my class to read this book for their reading time, which is usually reserved for personal reading time.
They loved it.
I can't think of a better endorsement. No other book I know of can get the full enthusiasm of both an English teacher and a classroom full of stratified and unique, individual students--especially when they have been forced to read the book.
Why? Because Cyrano has a universal appeal that spans g More...
I forced my class to read this book for their reading time, which is usually reserved for personal reading time.
They loved it.
I can't think of a better endorsement. No other book I know of can get the full enthusiasm of both an English teacher and a classroom full of stratified and unique, individual students--especially when they have been forced to read the book.
Why? Because Cyrano has a universal appeal that spans g More...
Dec 17, 2009
A
rated it: 
oh! heartwrenchingly wonderful! to love someone from afar and to return to them when you're dying to confess of your love! those final scences are matchless!--where roxanne is sewing away in her convent and cyrano comes, fighting death to reveal that "how many things have died and are now newborn? why were you silent for so many years? all the while those letters, every night on my breast, YOUR TEARS! you knew they were your tears!" oh man oh man. *sigh*
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Jul 05, 2010
Bettie
rated it:
re-read via Gutenberg Project on my nutty NUUT whilst sitting on a pink granite tump on the tiniest island imaginable, in the Skaggerak. Warm, windy and wine-y - holidays are good...
Intermittent internet access to laptop via dongle. My goodness but there is serious moneh cruising up and down these waters....
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CYRANO DE BERGERAC
by Edmond Rostand
adapted for radio by John Tydeman
Blurb - Cyrano de Bergerac is, perhaps, the greatest classic romance. More...
Intermittent internet access to laptop via dongle. My goodness but there is serious moneh cruising up and down these waters....
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CYRANO DE BERGERAC
by Edmond Rostand
adapted for radio by John Tydeman
Blurb - Cyrano de Bergerac is, perhaps, the greatest classic romance. More...
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Feb 07, 2008
Holly
rated it:
I read this along with my daughter. The first act didn't grab me but after that I really enjoyed it. I didn't like Cyrano at first then I grew to admire him. He had integrity. He was true to Christian. It is a sweet sad love story.
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Dec 07, 2011
Evan
rated it: 
Ah Cyrano, you of the forever-unbesmirched white plume, you who compromiseth not, you witty boastful holy heathen. You whose facial prominence was unbegotten of lies, as Pinocchio, but by the cruel capriciousness of nature, who was made very much of flesh not wood and whose human heart lay unseen under the shadow of your long disability; you seemed consigned to a certain Pinocchio-like boyhood when you wanted to be a man in full. But, ah fate! Your nose was a beacon signalling unhappiness and yo
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Jan 04, 2010
Amazing story written in gorgeous verse -- it was all worth muddling through irregular verbs in French class to be able to read this drama in Rostand's language! The heartstopping climax of Cyrano's words to Roxane on the balcony are the epitome of romance expressed so beautifully and sincere. His definition of a kiss is one of the most memorable scenes in theater. The drama is cleverly written, with flowing tempo and rhyme that doesn't feel forced. [return][return]As for the story, many have im
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Feb 04, 2012
Ensiform
rated it:
Translated by Lowell Bair, afterword by Henry Hewes (on various stage productions of the play and the efficacy of Bair’s translation). The timeless tale of the big-nosed wit who agrees to write love letters for the handsome dullard Christian, who like Cyrano loves Roxane. The thing that struck me on this second reading (first was circa 1985!) was that not only is the play an admirably original take on star-crossed lovers, it’s the portrait of an intransigently independent and proud soul. Cyra
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Nov 05, 2011
Megan
rated it:
This was our book club's first play to read together, and I thoroughly enjoyed the reading, and particularly the discussion that came from the reading. First, the message of inner beauty being most important is so poignant, and Cyrano's character so fascinating. Although he has such bravado and seems impervious to harm, physical and emotional, Rostand clearly meant the viewers to understand that this was an act, and the educated speculation as to what lay behind this facade was one of the thing
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Oct 20, 2011
Mattie
rated it:
Alright, I'm not one for plays but I had heard so much about "Cyrano de Bergerac" that I felt I just had to read it. Well, the plotline is pretty simple: Cyrando de Bergerac is a skilled fighter and a wonderful poet who is in love with Roxane, who is in love with a soldier named Christian. Christian, although handsome, is not very skilled in the department of poetry. Cyrano de Bergerac, in his desperation to make Roxane happy, decides to "help" Christian court Roxane by feedi
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Jun 20, 2011
Claire
rated it:
Five stars for one of the most heartbreaking lines in romance:
I have never loved but one man
And I have lost him - twice
and for the most self-deprecating and wittiest soliloquies ever:
Young man, I am afraid your speech was a trifle short. You could have said at least one hundred other things, varying the tone of your words. Let me give you some examples.
In an aggressive tone: "Sir, if I had a nose like that, I would amputate it!"
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I have never loved but one man
And I have lost him - twice
and for the most self-deprecating and wittiest soliloquies ever:
Young man, I am afraid your speech was a trifle short. You could have said at least one hundred other things, varying the tone of your words. Let me give you some examples.
In an aggressive tone: "Sir, if I had a nose like that, I would amputate it!"
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Jun 13, 2011
Res
rated it:
This review is all about the translation. About the play itself -- well, you already know whether you fell in love with Cyrano at a tender age or not.
Now I really believe I'm going to have to go back and figure out which translation it was that I read until it literally fell apart when I was in high school.
In some ways, I'm sure I'd find this translation superior. It's a nice one to read aloud, with pleasant rolling rhythms, some fun with internal rhymes, and no slavish devot More...
Now I really believe I'm going to have to go back and figure out which translation it was that I read until it literally fell apart when I was in high school.
In some ways, I'm sure I'd find this translation superior. It's a nice one to read aloud, with pleasant rolling rhythms, some fun with internal rhymes, and no slavish devot More...
Jun 09, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Required reading my senior year of high school. At the time I read it I had seen Roxanne (the Steve Martin dramady based off the play). I thought the play was not nearly as funny although it was often quite witty in a drier way. I remember thinking that people just need to say what they think/feel and stop whining about it. And I do remember, in the end, feeling sorry for Cyrano... that he got a raw deal of it all.
Now just a couple years ago I saw a live performance at Stratford ( More...
Now just a couple years ago I saw a live performance at Stratford ( More...
Jan 25, 2011
Vardan
rated it:
Cyrano de Bergerac
One of the most celebrated plays of poetic love translated to many languages from French is “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Like “Romeo and Juliet” this is an engaging play of romance and courage and nobleness. However, it has a slightly different plot. Cyrano de Bergerac is the name of the hideous yet stunningly talented poet that is in love with his cousin Roxane. Unlike Cyrano, Roxane is a beautiful, flawless young woman. She however is in love with another man named Christi More...
One of the most celebrated plays of poetic love translated to many languages from French is “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Like “Romeo and Juliet” this is an engaging play of romance and courage and nobleness. However, it has a slightly different plot. Cyrano de Bergerac is the name of the hideous yet stunningly talented poet that is in love with his cousin Roxane. Unlike Cyrano, Roxane is a beautiful, flawless young woman. She however is in love with another man named Christi More...
May 18, 2010
Rowland
rated it:
Inner and Outer Beauty
Cyrano de Bergerac can be read as an allegory of inner and outer beauty. Cyrano, representing inner beauty, passively battles Christian, who represents outer beauty, for Roxane’s love. Roxane becomes the arbiter of the relative values of these characters and, by extension, of the values of inner and outer beauty. The play places a premium on inner beauty, integrity, and intellect. Yet Cyrano’s own swashbuckling, flamboyant character emphasizes his exterior rathe More...
Cyrano de Bergerac can be read as an allegory of inner and outer beauty. Cyrano, representing inner beauty, passively battles Christian, who represents outer beauty, for Roxane’s love. Roxane becomes the arbiter of the relative values of these characters and, by extension, of the values of inner and outer beauty. The play places a premium on inner beauty, integrity, and intellect. Yet Cyrano’s own swashbuckling, flamboyant character emphasizes his exterior rathe More...
Feb 18, 2010
Katerri2012
rated it:
"What's in the name? That which we call a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet?" This quote is from one William Shakespeare's most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet. I remember hearing this quote when I was younger, but I never truly understood what it meant up until a few years ago. That's about all the Shakespeare I understand. I know the story of Romeo and Juliet, but ninety- eight percent of the time I don't know what the characters are saying, unless someone explains to
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Apr 11, 2009
Emily
rated it:
Cyrano de Bergerac is unequivocally among the greatest plays of all time. Ranking alongside Shakespeare, Beckett, and Molliere, Rostand, too, merits reading in the original language for a full appreciation of his mastery of words and verbal associations. Obviously, doing so is often impossible, and luckily, even in translation, the language shines. This quintessential story of pining and sacrifice transcends language and age, and comes alive with the playwright's blend of jovial humor and searin
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Mar 16, 2011
George
rated it:
Contains one of the great comic soliloquies in dramatic literature--Cyrano describing his nose in various fashions:
Young man, I am afraid your speech was a trifle short. You could have said at least one hundred other things, varying the tone of your words. Let me give you some examples.
In an aggressive tone: "Sir, if I had a nose like that, I would amputate it!"
Friendly: "When you drink from a cup your nose must get wet. Why don't you drink from More...
Young man, I am afraid your speech was a trifle short. You could have said at least one hundred other things, varying the tone of your words. Let me give you some examples.
In an aggressive tone: "Sir, if I had a nose like that, I would amputate it!"
Friendly: "When you drink from a cup your nose must get wet. Why don't you drink from More...
Jan 30, 2010
Lucy
rated it:
When we read this in class, I was always 2 acts ahead of everyone else. I would take home the book and read it so I could have the lines down. I felt that passionately about it!! (Sorry Mrs. Flanders for reading ahead!! =D) I got to Cyrano. If I were a guy in real life, I would REALLY want to be in this play. As it is, I'm not a guy.....so alas, Cyrano, you and your white plume will not be mine on stage! But if you enjoyed Dumas or Shakespeare or any play or perhaps the acting Gerard de Pardieu
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Jan 12, 2012
Andreea
rated it:
Cyrano de Bergerac est indubitablement une des meilleures pièces de théâtre que j'ai lu.C'est surtout la fin qui m'a touchée ,non pas jusqu'aux larmes (il ne faut pas exagérer quand même)mais jusqu'au tréfonds de mon coeur. Cette pièce m'a encore une fois demontré que je suis irrémédiablement eprise du romantique et qu'aucun autre genre ne pourrait avoir un tel impact sur ma sensibilité. Par ailleurs , je m'obstine à penser que j'ai eu beaucoup à apprendre d'un personnage comme Cyrano. Peut-être
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Aug 15, 2011
Marie-aimée
rated it:
Génial !
La meilleure pièce de théâtre que j'ai lue, mêlant action, intrigues, amour et drame.
"CYRANO : Pourquoi donc prendre un air dénigrant ?
– Peut-être que monsieur le trouve un peu trop grand ?
LE FACHEUX, balbutiant : Je le trouve petit, tout petit, minuscule !
CYRANO : Hein ? Comment ? m’accuser d’un pareil ridicule ?
Petit, mon nez ? Hola !
LE FACHEUX : Ciel !
CYRANO : Énorme, mon nez !
– Vil camus, sot camard, tête plat More...
La meilleure pièce de théâtre que j'ai lue, mêlant action, intrigues, amour et drame.
"CYRANO : Pourquoi donc prendre un air dénigrant ?
– Peut-être que monsieur le trouve un peu trop grand ?
LE FACHEUX, balbutiant : Je le trouve petit, tout petit, minuscule !
CYRANO : Hein ? Comment ? m’accuser d’un pareil ridicule ?
Petit, mon nez ? Hola !
LE FACHEUX : Ciel !
CYRANO : Énorme, mon nez !
– Vil camus, sot camard, tête plat More...
Apr 06, 2011
Carole
rated it:
This story is a classic and priceless. I've never read the play in book-form, but I've seen a couple versions played on the stage. I've seen a couple versions played on screen. Now, I've finally read the play on paper.
'Cyrano de Bergerac' is by far one of my favorite plays, so I was super excited when I found this book on sale at Goodwill (yes, I like searching through the bookshelves at Goodwill, one persons thrown away book could be my treasure. I think that's how that goes...). I'll More...
'Cyrano de Bergerac' is by far one of my favorite plays, so I was super excited when I found this book on sale at Goodwill (yes, I like searching through the bookshelves at Goodwill, one persons thrown away book could be my treasure. I think that's how that goes...). I'll More...
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Oct 31, 2011
Maëlle
rated it:
Ce livre est la pièce maîtresse de l'oeuvre de Rostand. Ce dernier s'inspire d'un personnage historique plus ou moins connu et lui a donné une renommée impressionante, de par son génie. L'histoire est très loin de la vérité, comme il en est de même pour de nombreuses tragédies et tragi-comédies cultes (on peut citer "le Cid" de Corneille ou bien "Lucrèce Borgia" de Hugo), car le talent de l'auteur prend à un certain moment le pas sur l'histoire et le personnage lui-même. Pour
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Nov 07, 2009
Thomas
rated it:
"Cyrano de Bergerac" is basically about this swordsman named Cyrano, who is an amazing fighter and poet and is in love with his cousin Roxanne. The only bad thing is that Cyrano has a huge nose which keeps him from approaching Roxanne in earnest. Anyway, there's also this other guy that likes Roxanne named Christian, but although Christian has really good looks, he is a screw up with words and doesn't know how to communicate with females. Finally, there's another guy (whose already mar
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Oct 10, 2011
Claire
rated it:
4.5 STARS
*I get this book from school for English*
*I read the first page*
*lost*
*Re-reads first page*
*still lost*
Me: Hey, do you guys get what's going on?
People in my class: nope-nada-not a clue-i'm so confused too!-wait...what?-I think we're supposed to ignore most of the words."
Me: Oh, then this is really boring...
-------Next day-------------
*discuss in class, first page reread and explained by teacher*
Cla More...
*I get this book from school for English*
*I read the first page*
*lost*
*Re-reads first page*
*still lost*
Me: Hey, do you guys get what's going on?
People in my class: nope-nada-not a clue-i'm so confused too!-wait...what?-I think we're supposed to ignore most of the words."
Me: Oh, then this is really boring...
-------Next day-------------
*discuss in class, first page reread and explained by teacher*
Cla More...
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Jan 07, 2008
Carole
rated it:
I got this book for Christmas two or three years ago. When I saw it on my bookshelf the other day, I decided it was weird (and kind of deceitful) to have a book there that I hadn't actually read, so I read it.
It's a pretty good play. The story is pretty famous, so I don't think there were any big surprises or anything. I'm sure it's better on stage - plays are written to be performed.
It's a pretty good play. The story is pretty famous, so I don't think there were any big surprises or anything. I'm sure it's better on stage - plays are written to be performed.
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Jul 24, 2010
Juveria
rated it:
One of the best plays i've read in a long time. Also one of the most funniest and saddest play ever performed on stage. Rostand mirrors the genius of Shakespeare, he truly is the French Shakespeare in my mind. The performance of all the characters is just so good, while the irony of the story is which only the audiences know and not the main characters. It's a story in which you don't get the big Shakespearean dramatic finish instead what you get is the human touch of the end. The two male chara
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Mar 11, 2010
Ann
rated it:
This is another book where I know I'm the odd one out. To start, I did start the book fully expecting to love it, but as I read, several issues came up. I have almost no good theater experiences, so that's a start to my indifference. I suspect if this had been a novel, I would have enjoyed it more (I certainly enjoyed the movie version). Also, love-triangle. Not my thing. I also was very annoyed by Cyrano in the first act - I know that it's supposed to be witty and funny and everything, but it j
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Dec 30, 2008
Jackie
rated it:
My first encounter with Cyrano (even before watching the excellent film version with Gérard Depardieu) was while watching Wishbone at a very young age. Even then, I found something to love in the story, and in the witty, brusque, but also shy Cyrano. Then I read it in English. Then I read it in French. Every encounter was more rewarding than the last.
It could very well be that my fondness for Cyrano comes from having, at certain points in high school, nearly found myself in his position. I More...
It could very well be that my fondness for Cyrano comes from having, at certain points in high school, nearly found myself in his position. I More...
Sep 20, 2011
Sierra
rated it:
Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" is probably one of my top favorite plays. It's funny, intelligent, romantic, sad, etc. This play is just so extremely well written. The dramatic irony throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat reading and dying to shout to Roxanne what was really going on. The character's Rostand creates are simply fantastic, especially when it comes to Cyrano himself, a man with a famously large nose. Cyrano is witty and extremely intelligent and you can
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