First published in 1910, &quot;Chantecler&quot; is the chef-d&#39;oeuvre of Edmond Rostand&#39;s mature years, now deservedly being rediscovered in France.<br /><br />Written in typically lively verse, &quot;Chantecler&quot; contains some of Edmond Rostand&#39;s best lyrical writing, including the famous &ldquo;Hymn to the Sun&rdquo;. It also explores some of his favourite themes.<br /><br />The play is notable in that all the characters are farmyard animals including the main protagonist, a chanticleer, or rooster. The play centres on the theme of idealism and spiritual sincerity, as contrasted with cynicism and artificiality. Much of the play satirises modernist artistic doctrines from Rostand&#39;s romanticist perspective.