Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

Title: De Luxe Edition: Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám - Garden City Publishing Co. (1937)
Description:
A beautifully bound "De Luxe Edition" of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, published by Garden City Publishing Co., Inc. in 1937, a period that saw a continued appreciation for elegantly presented classic literature. The Rubáiyát itself is a collection of رباعیات (rubāʿiyāt, quatrains or four-line stanzas) attributed to the Persian polymath Omar Khayyám (1048–1131). Khayyám was a renowned mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet during the Seljuk dynasty. While the exact number of quatrains he authored is debated, the Rubáiyát gained immense popularity in the Western world following its translation into English by Edward FitzGerald. FitzGerald's first edition appeared in 1859 and, though taking liberties with the original Persian, captured the imagination of Victorian society with its themes of the transience of life, the pursuit of pleasure, and reflections on destiny.
This "De Luxe Edition" from 1937 by Garden City Publishing Co. aimed to present FitzGerald's celebrated translation in an elegant form, evidenced by its ornate cover design. The stylized, possibly block-printed or embossed, design in blue and red on a light-colored cloth or paper-covered board features a central motif of a stylized tree or floral element within an arched frame, echoing the artistic traditions of Persia, the birthplace of Khayyám's verses. An elaborate border further enhances the book's decorative appeal, making it a testament to the early 20th-century appreciation for both literary content and book design.
* Title: Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
* Edition: De Luxe Edition
* Publisher: Garden City Publishing Co., Inc.
* Publication Date: 1937
* Author: Omar Khayyám (1048–1131), a celebrated Persian polymath. Translated by Edward FitzGerald (1809-1883).
* Historical Significance: A beautifully presented edition of a classic work of Persian literature, popularized in the West by FitzGerald's influential translation during the Victorian era. This "De Luxe Edition" from 1937 reflects the early 20th-century appreciation for fine bookmaking.
* Cover Material: Cloth or paper-covered board with a stylized, possibly block-printed or embossed, design.
* Cover Design: Stylized tree/floral motif within an arch, elaborate border in blue and red, evoking Persian artistic traditions.
* Condition: Good vintage condition with minor shelf wear consistent with age. The cover is well-preserved, with only slight discoloration. The binding is intact.
* Price: $45