About this book
Quatrains of Omar Khayyam of Nishapur by Omar Khayyám arrives as a timeless, provocative collection that fuses lyrical beauty with sharp philosophical inquiry. This celebrated edition—faithfully translated by Eben Francis Thompson in 1906—brings together 878 quatrains, offering one of the most extensive English renderings of the Persian rubaʿi tradition.
Rooted in medieval Persia, Khayyám’s short poems move between meditation and epigram, exploring mortality, fate, the pleasures and limits of the senses, and the tension between skepticism and spiritual longing. As a work of classics (antiquity), poetry, philosophy, and religious reflection, the quatrains use spare form and vivid imagery—wine, gardens, stars, and the passing hour—to raise enduring questions about meaning, doubt, and the art of living well. Thompson’s close translation aims to preserve the original terseness and wit while making Khayyám’s voice accessible to modern listeners.
Perfect for fans of classic poetry, students of Persian literature, and anyone drawn to philosophical and religious inquiry, this audiobook rewards repeated listening: each quatrain unfolds fresh nuance, making it ideal for contemplative moments or curious minds exploring a foundational voice of world literature.
