Books

1898. ROSTAND, Edmond. CYRANO DE BERGERAC: A Play In Five Acts. Translated from the French by Gladys Thomas and Mary F. Guillemard. London: William Heinemann, 1898. 12mo., two-toned green cloth. First English Edition. Boldly signed by American actor Otis Skinner in pencil on the front endpaper and dated 1898. Skinner [1858-1942] was a leading actor of his day and, although he played roles in various French dramas, he never played Cyrano. An uncommon book and the basis for two movies: the 1950 version, starring Jose Ferrer, and the 1990 version, starring Gerard Depardieu. Ferrer won an Academy award for his portrayal of Cyrano and the 1990 movie received five nominations, including ones for Depardieu and for Best Foreign Film. Very Good (spine darkened). $875.00.

Cyrano de Bergerac is a play written in 1897 by Edmond Rostand. Although there was a real Cyrano de Bergerac, the play is a fictionalized account of his life and incorporates larger-than-life elements. It explores themes of inner versus outer beauty, love, and heroism.