The best-loved, bestselling poem ever published - a poem that embraces the theme 'seize the moment'

'One thing is certain, that Life flies; One thing is certain, and the Rest is Lies'

The epic, beautiful poem Rubaiyat is widely attributed to Omar Khayyam. As much a philosopher as a poet, he was a Persian astronomer, who praised the beauties of nature, the essence of love, the mysteries of existence, the limits of private life and the joys of wine.

Translated in 1857 by Edward Fitzgerald it was originally published in English anonymously, but was later discovered and promoted by the Pre-Raphaelites, who would have emphathised with many of the poem's themes.

Published here as part of the Great Poets series, it is without doubt one of the greatest works of literature of all time.

an attractive new edition with a lengthy essay by Tony Briggs, who characterises the poem, memorably, as "the story of the apocalypse told to us by a kind uncle" * DAILY MAIL *
a lovely new edition... Professor Briggs does us all a favour by putting before our red and weary eyes FitzGerald and this legacy from an older Iran. -- Libby Purves * TIMES *

Omar Khayyam was born in Nishapur around 1048. A true polymath he was known as an astronomer, mathematician, philosopher and poet.

Anthony Briggs, Emeritus Professor of Russian at Birmingham University, Senior Research Fellow at Bristol University, is a well-known writer and broadcaster on Russian cultural affairs and European poetry. His recent translation of WAR AND PEACE was critically acclaimed. Among his many publications are six editions in the Everyman poetry series.