Cyrano de Bergerac (Further Reading)

Further Reading

Burgess, Anthony. Preface to Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand, translation by Burgess, Knopf, 1971, pp. v-xiv.

While much of this essay is an explanation of Burgess’s methods as a translator, he does offer some valuable insight into the issues of Rostand’s play.

Chesterton, G. K. “Rostand” in his Varied Types, Dodd, Mead, and Company, 1903, pp. 73-82.

An excerpt from Chesterton’s book that characterizes Rostand’s work, focusing in particular on Cyrano de Bergerac and L’Aiglon and their status as heroic comedies.

Phelps, William Lyon. “Edmond Rostand” in his Essays on Modern Dramatists, Macmillan, 1921, pp. 229-78.

An overview of Rostand’s career which traces the theme of the “Triumphant Failure” in several of his plays. This is a good source for information about Rostand’s thematic concerns.

Spiers, A. G. H., “Rostand As Idealist” in Columbia University Quarterly, Vol. XX, No. 2, April, 1918, pp. 155-69.

Spiers discusses how several of Rostand’s characters (including Cyrano) attempt to fulfill their idealistic goals despite the obstacles with which they are faced. The essay features several passages from Rostand’s plays as well as his definition of “panache.”