A Bit of HistoryCyrano de Bergerac

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