The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam: A New Translation from the Persian

Description

A repository of subversive, melancholic and existentialist themes and ideas, the rubaiyat (quatrains) that make up the collected poems attributed to the 12th century Persian astronomer Omar Khayyam have enchanted readers for centuries. In this modern translation, complete with critical introduction and epilogue, Juan Cole elegantly renders the verse for contemporary readers. Exploring such universal questions as the meaning of life, fate and how to live a good life in the face of human mortality, this translation reveals anew why this singular collection of poems has struck a chord with such a temporally and culturally diverse audience, from the wine houses of medieval Iran to the poets of Western twentieth century modernism. Cover page Halftitle page Title page Copyright page CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Introduction Rubáiyát Epilogue: Persian Literature and the Rubáiyát New Persian Mongols The Mongol Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam The Ilkhanid underworld Sufism and secularism Persian humanism Lonely hearts and sexuality Khayyam as frame author The Yerbudaki manuscript NOTES INDEX