KHAYYÁM, Omar. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. The Astronomer-Poet of Persia. Rendered into English verse by Edward FitzGerald. Illustrated and decorated by Willy Pogány (In Rivière binding)

London: George G. Harrap & Co., Ltd., [c.1913]. Small quarto. Unpaginated. Finely bound in full crushed red morocco by Rivière & Son, covers lavishly tooled in gilt with elaborate Persian-inspired panel designs, spine with raised bands and gilt floral compartments, gilt dentelles, all edges gilt. A few small spots to several leaves and a light stain to the upper cover, otherwise a particularly handsome and well-preserved copy.

A beautifully produced edition of one of the most celebrated works of Orientalist literature, featuring the acclaimed translation by Edward FitzGerald and the sumptuous Art Nouveau illustrations and decorative borders of Willy Pogány. First issued by Harrap in 1909, Pogány’s interpretation remains among the most admired illustrated editions of the Rubáiyát, combining Persian motifs, delicate colour plates and intricate ornamental typography.

The luxurious Rivière binding elevates the work considerably beyond the publisher’s original issue. Founded in the nineteenth century, Rivière & Son were among the foremost London binders, renowned for their craftsmanship and commissioned by leading collectors and bibliophiles. The elaborate gilt tooling employed here echoes the Persian decorative tradition of the text itself, creating an exceptionally harmonious presentation.

The Rubáiyát achieved extraordinary popularity during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, inspiring generations of readers with its meditations on fate, mortality, love and the fleeting nature of life. Fine bindings of illustrated editions remain highly sought after by collectors of decorative books, book arts, and Persian-inspired design.

A striking Rivière-bound example of one of the finest illustrated editions of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, combining literary significance, decorative appeal and the work of two distinguished artists of the book: Edward FitzGerald and Willy Pogány.

[L3 BC 1B]