A unusual suede-bound edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, presented in an original publisher’s box with a wax seal and metal clasp. The Rubaiyat is a four-line structured poem attributed to the Persian poet-astronomer Omar Khayyam (1048–1131). It gained prominence in the Western world in the second half of the 20th century following the English translation by Edward Fitzgerald, which is used in this edition. This is a rare pocket edition published by George Harrap in London in the early 1900s, part of its King’s Treasury series of classic books. Presented in an original publisher’s box, with a red seal and a metal clasp. The book itself is bound in limp green suede with gilt lettering and a motif to the front. With overhanging ‘yapp’ edges. Printed on thick-cut paper with untrimmed edges. In very good condition. Some minor scuffing to edges of the book, neat previous owner’s inscription from 1907. The box is toned, with side edges slightly split, but still in working order.
