“A JUG OF WINE, A LOAF OF BREAD—AND THOU…”: THE RUBAIYAT, BEAUTIFULLY BOUND

(FITZGERALD, Edward) KHAYYAM, Omar. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. London and New York: Macmillan, 1895. Square octavo, original full vellum gilt, uncut. $500.

Later edition, attractively bound.

Composed in 12th-century Persia and rendered into English by Edward FitzGerald (his first version appeared in 1859), these stanzas express "the desire to snatch the utmost of pleasurable sensation from the irretrievable passing moment… [but also] more sober thoughts of the Power that has created beauty and in man a capacity to appreciate beauty but has cursed him with transience… In words and cadences of haunting loveliness a desolating message was communicated to numberless hearts" (Baugh et al., 1417-18). In addition to an extensive introduction, this edition includes FitzGerald's translation of the Rubaiyat and a comparison of the differences among the first four editions. Presentation bookplate from Edward Severin Clark, son of the founder of Singer Sewing Machines, to his son Alfred Corning Clark.

Boards slightly bowed, near-fine condition, very handsomely bound.