Edmond Rostand

French writer, a playwright and poet first published in 1890. Originally a lawyer, his interest turned to journalism. Rostand's poetic play, "The Romancers," was produced successfully in Paris in 1894, and he continued writing romantic dramas, often tailoring them for specific leading actors. His most famous work was "Cyrano de Bergerac," 1897. It was widely translated and hailed as the last great historical romance.

Rostand received considerable fame and honors; was made commander of the Legion of Honor, 1900, and a member of the Academie Françoise in 1901.

He married the poet, Rosemonde Gerard, in 1890. She later collaborated with their adult son, Maurice, for two plays, produced in 1912 and 1914. With Rostand's health failing, he built a villa in southern France, where he spent most of his remaining years. He died on 2 December 1918, Paris.