Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Rendered into English Verse by Edward Fitzgerald and Illustrated by Robert Stewart Sheriffs.

There have been many editions of The Rubaiyát of Omar Khayyám. Some are prose translations that faithfully mirror the thought and imagery of the original, others are in verse of varying degrees of excellence, but none has won such universal favor as that by Edward FitzGerald (1809-83).

This book contains the First, Second, and Fifth Editions in full, together with the textual variants in the Third and Fourth Editions, thus providing the reader with a complete rendition of FitzGerald's work on The Rubaiyát, over a period of more than twenty-five years.

There are, in addition, a general Introduction by Laurence Housman, an essay on FitzGerald by G. F. Maine, FitzGerald's essay on Omar, the Notes to the Second Edition, which contains the largest number of quatrains (110), and a Glossary.

The illustrations which so splendidly adorn this edition were specially drawn for this edition by Robert Stewart Sheriffs.

 

Product Details

• Publisher: Collins; Glasgow & London 1947 reprinted 1977
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 224 Pages
• Item Weight: 1.38 Pounds
• Dimensions: 7.01 x 0.65x 9.49 inches
• Condition: Used-Very Good

 

Quarto, original red cloth boards with gilt and black title labels on upper board and spine; the dust jacket has a small tear at the upper right corner of the spine and minors chipping at the upper and bottom edges of the spine, wrapped in a protective sleeve. Twelve color plates, pp 224.

 

About the Author

Omar al-Khayyam, renowned as a Persian polymath, poet, and astronomer, remains a figure of profound intellectual and cultural significance. Born in Nishapur, Iran, around 1048, Khayyam's life and works epitomize the flourishing of knowledge and creativity during the Islamic Golden Age.

At the heart of Khayyam's legacy lies his remarkable prowess in mathematics and astronomy. His contributions were wide-ranging, from developing a new calendar (the Jalali calendar) that more accurately calculated leap years, to pioneering work on algebra and geometry. His treatise on algebra, "Treatise on Demonstration of Problems of Algebra," elucidated solutions to cubic equations—a groundbreaking achievement in medieval mathematics.

Yet, it is through his poetic expression that Khayyam resonates most deeply with the world. His quatrains, captured in the "Rubaiyat," explore themes of existence, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life with poignant simplicity. Through these verses, he philosophizes on the human condition, urging readers to embrace the present moment while contemplating the transience of life's pleasures.

Khayyam's poetry is imbued with a Sufi-like reverence for wine, not merely as a literal drink, but as a metaphor for spiritual intoxication and the liberation of the soul. His verses invite readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and their place within it, often tinged with a melancholic acceptance of life's impermanence.

Despite his scholarly achievements and poetic prowess, Khayyam's work was not widely recognized during his lifetime. It was through later translations, particularly by Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century, that his "Rubaiyat" gained global acclaim and sparked a renewed interest in his multifaceted genius.

Omar al-Khayyam's enduring influence extends beyond his era, touching upon diverse disciplines from literature to science. His ability to seamlessly blend rigorous intellectual inquiry with profound philosophical insights makes him a timeless figure whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate generations worldwide. In celebrating Khayyam, we honor not just a brilliant mind, but a poetic soul whose words transcend time, inviting us to contemplate the profound mysteries of life.