The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward FitzGerald

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, translated by Edward FitzGerald, is a celebrated collection of quatrains (four-line poems) attributed to the Persian mathematician and poet Omar Khayyam. FitzGerald's translation, first published in 1859, is known for its lyrical beauty and has significantly influenced the English-speaking world's appreciation of Persian poetry.

The work explores themes of love, the passage of time, the nature of existence, and the enjoyment of life's pleasures. Khayyam's verses reflect a philosophical outlook that embraces carpe diem, while also contemplating the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

FitzGerald's translation captures the essence of Khayyam's poetry while infusing it with a Victorian sensibility. His version is noted for its musicality and vivid imagery, making it accessible to a Western audience. The poem often contrasts the pursuit of earthly pleasures with deeper existential questions, creating a rich tapestry of meaning.