Cyrano de Bergerac A Bit of History
On Edmond Rostand Playwright primarily of comedies Wrote Cyrano in 1896-1897 Cyrano was his largest success Debut’s standing ovation lasted over an hour 400 consecutive performances
On the Historical Context Setting begins in 1640 Age of Richelieu Prime Minister of France beginning 1624 Powerful military and domestic leader Villianized in history for his heavy hand of justice and his high taxation policy Growth of the sciences New understandings of the Earth in relation to the universe Interest in space travel
On the Real Cyrano Savinien Cyrano was born in Paris, 1619 Lived in Bergerac most of his life A skilled swordsman A prominent nose Published plays, poems, political pamphlets, and several science fiction novels **Not exactly a major historical figure