The Man Behind the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Bill Martin and Sandra Mason maintain a longstanding interest in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and have a substantial library of the different editions and associated materials. They have been actively involved in creating exhibitions and other projects related to FitzGerald and the Rubaiyat. They are the authors of a number of books, including The Art of Omar Khayyam: Illustrating FitzGerald's Rubaiyat (I. B. Tauris, 2007) and Edward FitzGerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (2011). Bill Martin and Sandra Mason maintain a longstanding interest in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and have a substantial library of the different editions and associated materials. They have been actively involved in creating exhibitions and other projects related to FitzGerald and the Rubaiyat. They are the authors of a number of books, including The Art of Omar Khayyam: Illustrating FitzGerald's Rubaiyat (I. B. Tauris, 2007) and Edward FitzGerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (2011)."

Contents
Introduction – The Man behind the Rubáiyát
Acknowledgements
A brief chronology of the life of Edward FitzGerald
Note on the quotations from the letters
List of illustrations

Part 1
Learning about FitzGerald from his own words
- the relationships and events that shaped his life

1.Edward FitzGerald, a man of letters
2.1809-29 – FitzGerald’s early years
3.1830-40 – A young man on the move
4.1841-55 – Finding his feet as a writer
5.1856-59 – Creating the Rubáiyát despite personal crises
6.1860-71 – New interests in East Anglian life
7.1872-83 – Renewal of literary pursuits and contacts
8.A new appreciation of Edward FitzGerald

Part 2
Insights into Victorian life and opinions
- as portrayed by FitzGerald in his letters

9.A window on the world of the 19th century
10.Writing and reading
FitzGerald’s own writings
Contemporary poetry
Contemporary novels
Other contemporary writing
Greek and Latin classicsShakespeare
Other English classics
French, Italian and German literatureSpanish literaturePersian literature and other oriental worksWritings by FitzGerald’s friends
Miscellaneous writings

11.The artsTheatre
MusicPictures and artworks
12.Family and friendsFitzGerald family
School friendsUniversity friends
Neighbours
Literary friends
Artistic friends
Other friends and acquaintances
13.Other interests and views
Current affairs
Religion
Travel
Leisure activities
Nature and countryside
Food and drink
Personal matters

Part 3
Background information and additional analyses
Appendix 1 – The people whom FitzGerald knew
Appendix 2 – The places where FitzGerald lived and stayed
Appendix 3 – FitzGerald’s library and literary remains
Appendix 4 – A statistical analysis of FitzGerald’s letters
Bibliography
Notes and references
Index