The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (eBook)

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.