Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward Fitzgerald Value Guide

This early 20th-century edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam represents the peak of the 'Rubaiyat-mania' that swept the United Kingdom and the West. Translated by Edward Fitzgerald, this specific red hardcover version with gold lettering is a classic example of Edwardian-era gift book publishing.

What affects the value of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward Fitzgerald?

• Condition of the gold lettering; fading or 'dulling' of the gilt significantly reduces the $30-$40 market value.
• Structural integrity of the red cloth binding, specifically looking for fraying at the spine ends or corner bumping.
• Internal cleanliness, as foxing or ink inscriptions from previous owners can impact the desirability for collectors.
• The specific printing year within the 1900-1920 range, with earlier editions often commanding the higher end of the price spectrum.

How to Identify Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward Fitzgerald?

• Verify the presence of the red cloth hardcover featuring distinct gold-stamped lettering on the spine or front cover.
• Check the title page for Edward Fitzgerald's name as the translator, as his 1859 version is the most collectible.
• Confirm the publication origin is the United Kingdom and the era falls between 1900 and 1920.
• Examine the paper quality and ink; authentic copies from this period use specific antique paper stocks that differ from modern reprints.

History of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward Fitzgerald

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a collection of poems attributed to Omar Khayyam (1048 1131), a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet. Edward Fitzgerald's 1859 translation brought these quatrains to the English-speaking world, where they gained immense popularity and influenced many literary figures. This particular edition is a testament to the enduring appeal of Khayyam's philosophical verses on life, love, and mortality.