The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam - 1^st Thus (1907 Hardcover)

• Author (attributed to):   Omar Khayyam of Naishapur (1048-1131)

• Publisher:   Duffield & Company, New York, NY U.S.A. 1907

The Rubaiyat is one of the most popular poems of all time. A collection of quatrains attributed to the eleventh century Persian poet, mathematician and philosopher Omar Khayyam of Naishapur (1048-1131). Whether or not Omar Khayyam wrote them all or not, there is little doubt he was a genius of the first magnitude in medieval Iran.

This title was popularized into the English world through the translations by Edward FitzGerald (1809-1883) introduced in 1859. By 1929, over 300 separate editions were known to exist.

This copy has 100 quatrains, printed one to a page surrounded with decoration designs in red. Two different patterns were used, but the relevance is not explained. Designed to fit in a purse or large pocket. Few copies from this edition are listed on the market.

Hardcover has tan boards, black cloth spine with front cover displaying an embossed title and design in black, red & gold, but no dust jacket. Carefully preserved copy with square corners and almost no shelf-wear. Interior is tight, clean and completely unmarked. Beautiful copy, but designed for mass distribution and use.

• Size:  12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall, 100pp

• Condition: Near Fine Hardcover w/o DJ, 1^st Thus – Always privately owned.

Copyright 1907. Stated published August, 1907, this copy printed 1907 according to title page. 1st Thus, 1st printing assumed of this Duffield edition. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”.  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition

for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or

a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1^st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1^st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1^st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!