Philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, Khayyam as a poet possesses a singular originality. His poetry is richly charged with evocative power and offers a view of life characteristic of his stormy times, with striking relevance to the present day.
This translation by Peter Avery and John Heath-Stubbs is beautifully and lavishly illustrated in colour with numerous examples of Persian miniature painting. It also contains a valuable introduction and several appendices, including an essay on Persian painting.
John Heath-Stubbs was born in London and educated at Queen's College, Oxford. He was known for writing verse influenced by the classics and was awarded an OBE in 1988.
Peter Avery OBE is an eminent British scholar of Persian studies and a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge.