Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, and Salámán and Absál / Together with a Life of Edward Fitzgerald and an Essay on Persian Poetry by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Name: Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, and Salámán and Absál / Together with a Life of Edward Fitzgerald and an Essay on Persian Poetry by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Author: Omar Khayyam

By Omar Khayyam

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Classics of Literature Poetry

About This Book

The book pairs an English-verse rendering of compact quatrains that meditate on mortality, time’s transience, skepticism, and the pursuit of earthly pleasures with a longer narrative poem that explores passionate attachment, rivalry, and spiritual longing. Supplemental material frames the translations with a biographical sketch of the translator and an essay on Persian poetic forms and sensibilities. The collection balances terse, aphoristic reflection and extended storytelling, repeatedly returning to themes of impermanence, desire, and the limits of human understanding.

About the Author

Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam was a Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer, best known for his collection of quatrains, the "Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam." His poetry, characterized by its philosophical depth and exploration of existential themes, has captivated readers for centuries. Khayyam's work often reflects on the nature of life, love, and the passage of time, blending Sufi mysticism with a keen observation of the human condition. In addition to his literary contributions, he made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy during the 11th century. His influence extends beyond literature, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations in various cultures.