The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (1909) Illustrated by Edmund Dulac
Limited Edition
Published in 1909 by Hodder & Stoughton, The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám stands as one of the most beautiful editions of this beloved Persian classic. Translated into English by Edward FitzGerald, the text consists of a series of quatrains (rubáiyát) attributed to the 11th-century astronomer-poet Omar Khayyám. The verses explore deep philosophical themes such as the impermanence of life, the inevitability of death, and the fleeting pleasures of existence—all expressed with lyrical grace and meditative beauty.
This edition is lavishly illustrated by Edmund Dulac, featuring 20 tipped-in color plates that reflect the richness of Khayyám’s verse. Dulac’s illustrations are infused with Eastern motifs, gold accents, and deep, jewel-like tones, echoing the mystical and reflective atmosphere of the poetry. His work transforms the book into a visual and literary treasure, one that offers both spiritual insight and artistic splendor.
About the Illustrator:
Edmund Dulac (1882–1953) was a French-born British illustrator celebrated for his contributions to the Golden Age of Illustration. After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he moved to London, where he quickly gained fame for his collaborations with Hodder & Stoughton. Dulac’s style was heavily influenced by Persian miniatures, Japanese prints, and Art Nouveau, resulting in artwork that was both decorative and emotive. His illustrations are known for their intricate detail, subtle color palettes, and ability to convey a narrative atmosphere. Dulac’s skill in fusing mood with imagery made him an ideal interpreter of poetic and fantastical texts. His work in The Rubáiyát remains one of the most celebrated visual interpretations of any poetic text.
Recommended for Collectors and fans:
- The Sleeping Beauty and Other Fairy Tales (1910), illustrated by Edmund Dulac
- Stories from The Arabian Nights (1907), illustrated by Edmund Dulac
- The Garden of Kama (1913), illustrated by Byam Shaw – A collection of Indian-inspired love poems with elegant, orientalist artwork.
Other books illustrated by Edmund Dulac available in our gallery: Stories from the Arabian Nights, Lyrics, Pathetic and Humourous from A to Z, The Sleeping Beauty, Stories from Hans Andersen, The Bells, and other poems, Princess Badoura, Sindbad the Sailor and other stories, The Kingdom of the Pearl.
- Complete list of books illustrated by Edmund Dulac.
- Our Edmund Dulac Art Gallery
Art Gallery: Edmund Dulac – Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam 1909
