About this book
Richard le Gallienne's masterful rendering of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám brings the profound philosophical poetry of the 12th-century Persian mathematician and poet vividly to life. Though le Gallienne worked without direct knowledge of Persian, his elegant English verse captures the lyrical beauty and timeless wisdom of Khayyám's celebrated quatrains with remarkable sensitivity.
Originally published in 1897 and expanded in 1901, this edition contains 261 quatrains that explore life's deepest questions: the nature of existence, mortality, love, and human purpose. Each rubai—a four-line stanza—presents meditative reflections on fate, pleasure, and the fleeting passage of time, rendered in le Gallienne's poetic translation that balances fidelity to the original sentiment with accessibility for English readers.
Khayyám's verse resonates across centuries, blending mathematical precision with emotional depth, scientific inquiry with spiritual yearning. The poetry moves seamlessly from intimate moments of romance and wine to philosophical contemplations on destiny and the human condition, creating a rich tapestry of Persian wisdom.
This audiobook is ideal for poetry enthusiasts, philosophy lovers, and anyone seeking profound literary works that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. Le Gallienne's translation makes this classic accessible to modern listeners while preserving the contemplative power that has captivated readers for nearly a thousand years.
