The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam [Paperback]

Mehdi Aminrazavi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007 | ISBN-10: 1851685049 | ISBN-13: 978-1851685042

Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi's comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi's work covers not only Khayyam's well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald's Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An extensive account of Omar Khayyam's work; the public can now become acquainted with the thought of this unique Persian intellectual figure." -- Hossein Ziai - Professor of Islamic and Iranian Studies, UCLA

"The most comprehensive study of the great Persian philosopher Omar Khayyam available today in any European language." -- Leonard Lewisohn - Author of The Heritage of Sufism, and Iran Heritage Foundation Fellow in Persian and Sufi Literature, Exeter University

"This is the most nuanced and balanced study of the elusive Omar Khayyam that I have yet encountered. Khayyam is clearly a man for all ages, and Mehdi Aminrazavi does a fine job of introducing him anew to our insecure post-modern world." -- John Perry - Professor of Persian, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Chicago

This is the most nuanced and balanced study of the elusive Omar Khayyam that I have yet encountered. Khayyam is clearly a man for all ages, and Mehdi Aminrazavi does a fine job of introducing him anew to our insecure post-modern world. -- John Perry - Professor of Persian, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Chicago

" ... An inspiring monograph ... an appealing and intriguing portrait ... a must for lovers of Omar Khayyam." --International Journal of Middle East Studies

About the Author

Author Mehdi Aminrazavi is Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Co-Director of the Center for Asian Studies at Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia, US.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Oneworld (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851685049
• ISBN-13: 978-1851685042
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #830,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Treatise on Khayyam, January 29, 2006

By 

rubaiyatman (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam (Hardcover)

I am a filmmaker who spent 7 years making a feature film about the legendary mathematician, astronomer, poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam. I cannot think of another book published in this world that gives a more complete and thorough understanding of Khayyam. Dr. Aminrazavi's book is a scholarly masterpiece that illuminates the reader's mind with well researched, solid facts debunking the myths surrounding Khayyam. Each chapter clearly lays out the author's own struggle with what is fact and what is fiction. The book also explores Khayyam's vast influence on literature in the West. If there is anyone out there who wants an encyclopedic look into the mind of the 11th Century genius with the soul of a poet, look no further...purchase Wine of Wisdom today!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview, October 15, 2008

By 

B. A. Smith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam (Paperback)

This book reviewed many writers/articles on these 13th Century poems and the mathamation/philosopher poet(or poets) who is (are)responsible for them. The information was interesting and helpful. Background into the times and traditions was included.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars enlightened reading, July 27, 2006

By 

D. Jarvis (New Palestine,, IN. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam (Hardcover)

The seems to be a lot of redundancy in the first part of the book but the overall information, history and review of the philosophy is well presented.

A very interesting book and enjoyable to read.