Edmond Rostand's classic romance tells the unforgettable story of one unique man's bravery, loyalty, and unspoken love. Set in seventeenth century Paris, the action revolves around the emotional problems of the noble, swashbuckling Cyrano, who, despite his many gifts, feels that no woman can ever love him because he has an enormous nose. Secretly in love with the lovely Roxane, Cyrano agrees to help his inarticulate rival, Christian, win her heart by allowing him to present Cyrano's love poems, speeches, and letters as his own work. Eventually Christian recognizes that Roxane loves him for Cyrano's qualities, not his own, and he asks Cyrano to confess his identity to Roxane; Christian then goes off to a battle that proves fatal. Cyrano remains silent about his own part in Roxane's courtship. As he is dying years later, he visits Roxane and recites one of the love letters. Roxane realizes that it is Cyrano she loves, and he dies content. Cyrano de Bergerac was based only nominally on the 17th century nobleman of the same name, known for his bold adventures and large nose. This edition includes: -A concise introduction that gives readers important background information -A chronology of the author's life and work -A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context -An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations -Detailed explanatory notes -Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work -Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction -A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.

エドモン・ロスタンの本作は、醜い外見と高潔な魂、比類なき言語感覚を持つ男の悲劇を描いた不朽の名作です。真髄は、言葉こそが魂の美しさを証明するという逆説的なロマンティシズムにあります。己の卑屈さを気高い「パナッシュ（心意気）」で覆い隠して生きるシラノの姿は、読者の心に強烈な誇りと切なさを刻み込みます。 映像化作品では華麗な剣劇が目を引きますが、原作の詩的なリズムと比喩の応酬こそが物語の本質です。映画が「見せる」愛に対し、文学は「語られなかった」沈黙の重みを深く掘り下げます。視覚を超越する言葉の力が、最期の瞬間に明かされる真実をより崇高なものへと昇華させるのです。