Product Description

Based on the life of a little known writer, Rostand's hero has become a figure of theatrical legend: Cyrano, with the nose of a clown and the soul of a poet, is by turns comic and sad, as reckless in love as in war, and never at a loss for words. The text is accompanied by Notes and a full Introduction which sets the play in its literary and historical context. Christopher Fry's acclaimed translation into "chiming couplets" represents the homage of one verse dramatist to another.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1149492 in Books
• Published on: 1971-11-12
• Released on: 1971-11-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 174 pages

From Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-In this adaptation of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac, the St. Charles Players, utilizing background music and clear voices, successfully bring Cyrano's story to listeners. The moods of the characters are clearly portrayed through the variation of the actors' voices. Students will easily follow the tale about a man in love with an extraordinarily beautiful woman, Roxanne. Because of his appearance, Cyrano refuses to tell Roxanne of his love and, instead, helps Christian profess his feelings for her. Even after Christian dies in battle, Cyrano can't proclaim his love for Roxanne. The actors' voices are clear, the aural quality is excellent, and background sounds and music carry along the action. Students will enjoy listening to this classic story of love and loss.
Shelley Chick-Gravel, Abbot Public Library, Marblehead, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

From the Inside Flap
Translated by Anthony Burgess.

Customer Reviews

The best translation/adaptation of the Rostand classic
Even if you can appreciate the subtleties of the original French, this translation of the Rostand classic breathes a fresh, exciting perspective into the characters. Shunning a strict translation of the original, Burgess weaves a tapestry of elegant English that conforms to the meter of the original without being dogmatic. The result is a masterful adaptation that makes the play approachable to a wider audience while capturing the longing of unrequited love from the original; go ahead and read your favorite passages aloud to really appreciate the playful use of language.

A down-to-earth translation of the greatest love story ever!
Anthony Burgess steps out of his psycodelic shell to bring a down to earth translation of the worlds greatest love story. Rostand created a tale true to the human heart filled with romance and poetry, but it took Anthony Burgess to bring the story to the modern reader. There are no 'thee's' or 'thou's' in this adaption, just natural, modern writing. In essence, Burgess did not translate Rostands classic play, he wrote the story over as a poem. Burgess did Rostand the greatest honour, making Cyrano De Bergerac, a wonderfull romance, and beautiful story accessable to modern audiences

I have enjoyed this recording for years
I have had this recording for many years. My original copy is on vinyl. Not only is it extremely well acted, but one almost feels like they are in the locations of the play, the theater, the bakery, the battlefront.