The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam

May 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a collection of quatrains, or four-line poems, that blend themes of love, nature, and the passage of time. Written in a lyrical and contemplative style, the book captures the essence of Persian poetry and philosophy. Each quatrain is a self-contained piece of wisdom, inviting readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of the world. The Rubaiyat is considered a masterpiece of world literature and has been translated into numerous languages. Its timeless themes continue to resonate with readers today. Omar Khayyam, a Persian polymath, mathematician, and poet, was known for his intellectual curiosity and philosophical insights. His deep knowledge of science and mathematics is reflected in the precise and intricate language of The Rubaiyat. Khayyam's contemplative nature and love for the beauty of the natural world inspired him to write these poetic reflections on life and existence. Recommended for readers interested in exploring the intersection of poetry, philosophy, and mysticism, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam offers a profound and meditative journey into the human experience.

About the author

Omar Khayyam (1048–1131) was a Persian polymath, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet, who is most famously remembered for his poetry, more specifically, 'The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam'. A collection of quatrains (rubaiyat), this work has been admired for its beautiful and thought-provoking content which delves into the existential and often celebrates the joys of living in the present moment. Translated posthumously into many languages, the most noted English translation was completed by Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century, which played a significant role in popularizing Khayyam's lyrical poetry across the Western world. Khayyam's literary style is characterized by his profound ruminations on fate, mortality, and the mysteries of the universe, presented with a lyrical grace that blends the borders between philosophy and poetry. His poetry often reflects his scholarly background and presents complex ideas with remarkable concision and evocative imagery. While 'The Rubaiyat' is what he's mainly remembered for in the West, in his native Persia, Omar Khayyam is also recognized for his scientific works and his contribution as a scholar, particularly in the field of mathematics, where he contributed to the development of algebra, and in astronomy, where he participated in reforming the calendar. His multi-faceted genius renders him a towering figure not just in Persian literature but also in medieval intellectual history.