July saw the publication, by Anthem Press, of two important volumes about Edward FitzGerald’s Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
FitzGerald’s Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám: Popularity and Neglect (edited by Adrian Poole, Christine van Ruymbeke, William H. Martin and Sandra Mason) is based on a 2009 conference in Cambridge and celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first publication of FitzGerald’s Rubáiyát (1859) and the bicentenary of his birth (1859).
Edward FitzGerald’s Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám: A Famous Poem and Its Influence (Edited by William H. Martin and Sandra Mason) presents the texts of the three main versions (first, second and fourth) as they were originally published, together with the poet’s original notes and prefaces. An accompanying commentary discussed the lives and work of Khayyám and FitzGerald, in addition to analysis of the poem’s message and discussion of the many varied adaptations.
For more in depth descriptions of these publications and details of how to order, please follow the link to our ‘Book News‘ page.