8 Facts You should Know about the Rubaiyat, Omar Khayyam and Edward FitzGerald

In 1912 when the Titanic sank, together with it went down the most expensive book of the 20^th Century. It was a brilliantly binded copy of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, a replica of which sold recently for a five sum figure.

Khayyam’s Rubaiyat as translated by Edward Fitzgerald is one of the best poems of all time. Here are a few facts worth knowing about Rubaiyat, one the greatest translations into the English language.

1: No one bought it: It was published in 1859, the same year as Darwin’s The Origin of Species, and though it had as profound an effect on Victorian society as Darwin’s book, no one bought a single copy when it was first published.

2: Amazing self-publishing story: Edward FitzGerald self-published the book in a pamphlet form; ordered 250 copies and they went to a basket of books for sale at one penny each. Today, first edition copies are extremely collectable.

3: Superb translation: Khayyam wrote the Rubaiyat almost nine centuries ago. It became hugely popular in the 19^th Century as a result of the superb translation by Edward FitzGerald. It has often been said FitzGerald’s translation is even better than the original.

4: Top bestseller: Rubaiyat has been translated in almost every living language and is one the most quoted poems of all time. Critics and the literary world have not been kind to FitzGerald’s work, yet, the public has loved it. The work has sold millions of copies worldwide.

5: Extraordinary author: Khayyam, apart from a poet, was a philosopher, astronomer, mathematician and historian. He helped revise the solar calendar still in use in Iran today.

6:Two translated versions: FitzGerald translated the Rubaiyat first in Latin, then English. He produced five editions, and only the last edition revealed his name as the translator of the poem.

7: Amazing legacy: Edward FitzGerald rests in a small and peaceful churchyard in Boulge, England. A rose tree stands by his grave and it is from a seed that was taken from the rose bushes of Omar Khayyam’s grave.

8. Highly collectableRubaiyat is a collector's dream; a first edition copy of the Rubaiyat sold a few years ago at Sotheby’s New York for more than $40,000.

Get your copy of the Rubaiyat on Amazon Kindle or paperback and enjoy the thrill of a great read!

Amazon US http://amzn.to/1l58fIT

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1lpUwNg

   Thanks for reading

   Paul

PS. If you have written a book feel free to submit a sample here: http://www.paulsmithpublishing.co.uk/login/

About Paulin Prifti

I am based in London, UK, and I publish books. It doesn't matter the language you write in. What really matters is your thoughts and feelings. You use words to put your thoughts and feelings together in a simple and clear way. You can write about anything you want. It’s important to make your writing matter.

Now, writing a book is not easy. Yet, it is hugely rewarding and becomes easier when you have a structure: a beginning; middle and an end. And this is why I like publishing. It gives me the chance to help new writers like you write and get published. Make your book matter.

==========================

© Paulin Prifti. No part of this piece may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission from the copyright owner. Paul Smith Publishing Ltd is registered in England & Wales: 08735912.