The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, First, Second and Fifth Editions [Paperback]

Edward FitzGerald (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

Oh, come with old Khayyám, and leave the Wise To talk; one thing is certain, that Life flies; One thing is certain, and the Rest is Lies; The Flower than once has blown for ever dies. -XXVI Though it's difficult to imagine, these 12th-century stanzas-oft quoted and frequently looked to for inspiration by those seeking to live life to the fullest-did not come to the public's attention until Edward FitzGerald published them in English in 1859... and even then they were ignored until the painter Dante Rossetti discovered a remaindered copy two years later and excitedly spread news of it around his intellectual and artistic circles. Not a direct translation, these liberal interpretations make Khayyám's verse accessible to readers in the English language. Several editions of FitzGerald's work are included in this volume, allowing the reader multiple approaches to their wisdom and beauty. Persian astronomer and poet OMAR KHAYYÁM (1048-1131) also authored works on music and mathematics. British poet and translator EDWARD FITZGERALD (1809-1883) also wrote Polonius: A Collection of Wise Saws and Modern Instances (1852) and translated from the Spanish Six Dramas of Pedro Caulderon (1853).

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

From the Back Cover

Though it's difficult to imagine, these 12th-century stanzas--oft quoted and frequently looked to for inspiration by those seeking to live life to the fullest--did not come to the public's attention until Edward FitzGerald published them in English in 1859... and even then they were ignored until the painter Dante Rossetti discovered a remaindered copy two years later and excitedly spread news of it around his intellectual and artistic circles.

Not a direct translation, these liberal interpretations make Khayyám's verse accessible to readers in the English language. Several editions of FitzGerald's work are included in this volume, allowing the reader multiple approaches to their wisdom and beauty.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596054387
• ISBN-13: 978-1596054387
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,315,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: First, Second and Fifth Editions, May 26, 2010

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Paul S. Wheeler - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: First, Second and Fifth Editions (Hardcover)

Excellent and compact book containing the most important versions of a masterpiece that evolved and improved over the career of Fitzgerald, a brilliant English aristocrat, who had a curious passion for 800 year old Persian poetry. Fortunately he preferred the poet who was mathmatically concise in contrast to the verbose flowery normal of that era. Also Omar liked wine, science and freedom of thought which put him at odds with Islam then and now and this book is likely banned in large parts of the world for that reason.

This extraordinary collaboration of two poets promoting a powerful existential theme working far removed in time, location and cultures is a plea to enjoy life which is very brief even if people live to 100! Carpe Diem!