The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám is a collection of quatrains (rubá’iyyát) attributed to the Persian polymath Omar Khayyám (1048–1131), best known in the West through Edward FitzGerald’s 19th-century English translation. The verses reflect on the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the pursuit of pleasure and wisdom in the present moment. With its blend of lyrical beauty, philosophical depth, and memorable imagery—wine, roses, the night sky—it remains one of the most beloved works of world literature. FitzGerald’s adaptation, while freely interpreting the original, brought Khayyám’s voice to global prominence and continues to inspire readers and artists alike.