Cyrano de Bergerac: The Best Works for Newcomers

I’ll never forget the first time I read Cyrano de Bergerac. I expected a swashbuckling love story—and I got that—but what really hooked me was the wit, the boldness, and the heartbreak that rang truer than I’d anticipated. Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the legacy of the real Cyrano de Bergerac, a 17th-century French novelist, duelist, and freethinker who inspired it. If you're just starting out, here's a guide to his best works, ranked by how easy they are to get into today.

## 5. A Voyage to the Moon (1682)

Yes, Cyrano wrote science fiction—long before the genre existed. In A Voyage to the Moon, he imagines a trip to the moon using dew-powered rockets and other fantastical devices. It’s a satirical romp that pokes fun at politics, religion, and philosophy. The ideas are bold and the humor is sharp, but the 17th-century language can feel dense. Still, if you're intrigued by the idea of a 1600s sci-fi visionary, this is a fun and daring read.

## 4. The States and Empires of the Sun (1662)

This is the sequel to A Voyage to the Moon, and it’s even more ambitious. Cyrano dives into utopian societies, critiques European monarchies, and explores alien cultures on the Sun. His imagination is boundless, but again, the archaic prose can be a barrier. Still, the themes—like questioning authority and imagining better worlds—feel startlingly modern.

## 3. The Heroic Deeds of the Very Valiant and Very Drunken Sieur de Cyrano de Bergerac (1670)

This lesser-known collection of essays and sketches gives a vivid portrait of Cyrano himself—his duels, his wit, and yes, his drinking. It’s part memoir, part satire, and full of the charm and bravado that made Rostand’s play so memorable. It’s a bit fragmented, but if you want to get a sense of the man behind the legend, this is a great place to start.

## 2. Letters of a Most Curious Man (Selected Works)

Cyrano was a master of the letter, and some of his correspondences are as lively and pointed as anything written today. These letters reveal his humor, his philosophical depth, and his fearless critiques of church and state. They’re shorter and more digestible than his longer works, making them perfect for modern readers who want a taste of his voice without the historical weight.

## 1. Cyrano de Bergerac (Play by Edmond Rostand)

Okay, this isn’t Cyrano’s own work—but it’s the best gateway to understanding why he still matters. Rostand’s play is a romantic, poetic, and deeply human retelling of Cyrano’s legend. It distills all the best qualities of the original character—his courage, wit, and unrequited love—into a story that still moves audiences today. If you only read one thing, make it this.

Whether you’re drawn to his daring ideas, his poetic voice, or his unforgettable character, there’s a Cyrano waiting for you. And if you ever want to talk to the real man behind the myth, you can always ask him yourself.

Talk to Cyrano de Bergerac on HoloDream—he’ll tell you, in his own words, why a big nose never stopped him from dreaming big.