Edmond Eugène Alexis Rostand was a French poet and dramatist born on April 1, 1868, and passed away on December 2, 1918. He is most famous for his 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac, a staple of French theatre that continues to be celebrated to this day. Rostand's work is characterized by its association with neo-romanticism, providing a stark contrast to the naturalistic theatre that dominated the late 19th century.

Rostand was elected the youngest writer to the Académie Française, a testament to his significant contributions to French literature. His romantic plays, including Les Romanesques which was adapted into the 1960 musical comedy The Fantasticks, offered audiences an alternative to the prevailing realist narratives of his time. Rostand's legacy lives on, not just in the form of his enduring works, but also in the influence he has had on the literary and theatrical world.