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Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

The best-loved, bestselling poem ever published
Series: The Great Poets
4.17 goodreads logo

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( 23,240 ratings, 2,364 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a timeless poetic masterpiece that celebrates the ephemeral nature of life and the urgency to 'seize the moment'. Penned by Omar Khayyam, a Persian astronomer and philosopher, the verses explore themes such as the beauty of nature, the essence of love, the mysteries of existence, and the simple joys of life, including wine. This English translation by Edward Fitzgerald, initially published anonymously in 1857, captures the reflective and evocative spirit that resonated deeply with the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in classic poetry, philosophy, Persian literature, and those who appreciate reflective works that explore life's fleeting beauty and existential themes.

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The best-loved, bestselling poem ever published

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The best-loved, bestselling poem ever published - a poem that embraces the theme 'seize the moment'

'One thing is certain, that Life flies; One thing is certain, and the Rest is Lies'

The epic, beautiful poem Rubaiyat is widely attributed to Omar Khayyam. As much a philosopher as a poet, he was a Persian astronomer, who praised the beauties of nature, the essence of love, the mysteries of existence, the limits of private life and the joys of wine.

Translated in 1857 by Edward Fitzgerald, it was originally published in English anonymously, but was later discovered and promoted by the Pre-Raphaelites, who would have empathised with many of the poem's themes.

Published here as part of the Great Poets series, it is without doubt one of the greatest works of literature of all time.

Series: The Great Poets

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

An attractive new edition featuring a comprehensive essay by Tony Briggs, who describes the poem as 'the story of the apocalypse told to us by a kind uncle' (Daily Mail). Praised as a lovely edition, Briggs' insights rekindle appreciation for Fitzgerald's translation and its rich legacy from historical Iran (Libby Purves, Times).

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399614122

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 150g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Omar Khayyam was born in Nishapur around 1048. A true polymath he was known as an astronomer, mathematician, philosopher and poet.

Anthony Briggs, Emeritus Professor of Russian at Birmingham University, Senior Research Fellow at Bristol University, is a well-known writer and broadcaster on Russian cultural affairs and European poetry. His recent translation of WAR AND PEACE was critically acclaimed. Among his many publications are six editions in the Everyman poetry series.

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