Posted on 04/05/2003 5:54:38 PM PST by freedom44
Persian Poet, humanist philosopher, and mathematician Omar Khayyam is probably the most famed of all Persian Poets in the West, ever since the translation by Victorian-era writer Edward Fitzgerald of a series of Quatrains known as the "Rubaiyaat". It is probably the best-selling book in the entire history of English poetry. It exists in many editions and has Enjoyed massive popularity throughout the 20th century, many people have carried it around, taken it to war, kept it in the car, ordered it for reading on a putative desert island. The memorable quatrains appeal to all classes and conditions of men and women; they are still treasured by millions.
This translation profoundly influenced the West's perception (or misperception) of Persia ( today known as Iran ) in the turn of the century. In fact as unusual as it may seem one of the original manuscripts of the "Rubaiyaat" was carried aboard the "R.M.S. Titanic" and was to dissapear with the doomed Liner under the Sea never to resurface again ...
Khayyam (1048 - 4 Dec 1131) was Born in Nishapur, Iran the provincial capital of Khurasan. Nishapur is located 115 kms. west of Mashhad, Not much is known about his family but there is speculation that his father's trade might have been "Tentmaker". Tentmaker is the literal translation of Khayyám. Omar even pokes fun at his nickname in his writing:
"Khayyám, who stitched the tents of science, Has fallen in grief's furnace and been suddenly burned, The shears of Fate have cut the tent ropes of his life, And the broker of Hope has sold him for nothing!" --Omar Khayyám
The sudden popularity of the famous Quatrains, sold for only One Pence as a pocket book, was such that it was not only restricted to the London Upper Class and Cultural educated circles, but became an international hit and strangely enough in the United States where Khayyam's poems became a symbol of wisdom and celebration of an epicurian life. The Persian Poets popularity was such that many started picking "Omar" as a surname for themselves or their siblings as was the case for example of General "Omar" Nelson Bradley (1893-1981) , known by his troops in World War II as "The Soldier's General" because of his care of and compassion for those soldiers under his comand, or Costume designer Omar Kiam for many Hollywood films of the 1930's.
Khayyams tribute to Wine was also often exageratedly used to promote the virtues of alcoholic beverages. Thus Khayyam became not only a popular figure but was also used as a formidable merchandizing vehicle, cited in Ads promoting the sales of all sorts of items ranging from Persian or Middle Eastern Rugs, Wine bottles, Vacuum Cleaners, Porcelain figurines to even Restaurant names such as the famed Armenian Immigrant George Mardikian's restaurant "Omar Khayyam" created in 1932 in Fresno, California.
A number of artists have also even tried to put his poetry into musical form such as in British Composer Hubert Bath's "Omar Khayyam: Four Eastern Impressions for Piano" .
But also in songs such as "Girl O' Mine" in a musical entitled "Omar Khayyam the Poet" of the mid 20's.
In 1931 a radio series of about Thirteen Episodes in a "Mystery and Adventure" gendre were broadcasted with a great deal of success on US national Radio called "Omar - Wizard of Persia"
It is therefore not a surprise that Hollywood very soon discovered the potentials of a film story on Khayyam's life and Times. The Oriental touch of Khayyam's poetry, his glorification of the Good Life and the Universal appeal of his poetry, made him an ideal role model for all movie goers thirsty to discover new Romantic Lovers and Adventurers.
At least Three silent films exist on Khayyam :
"A Lover's Oath" (1922; released 1925), "Omar the Tent Maker" (1922) and "Omar Khayyam" (1924).
"A Lover's Oath" (also released under the title : "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam") Directed by Ferdinand Pinney Earle. Edited by Milton Sills and starring Ramon Novarro as Ben Ali ,with co-stars Kathleen Key as Sherin, Edwin Stevens as Hassen Ben Sabbath, and Frederick Warde as Omar Khayyam.
(Excerpt) Read more at payvand.com ...
Leni
DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT.
IS SOMETHING THE MATTER?
THE SAME THING THAT'S ALWAYS THE MATTER HERE.
IS THIS THE SORT OF BOOK YOU GIVE MY DAUGHTER TO READ, THIS RUBY HAT OF OMAR KAYAYAY? I AM APPALLED!
I DID RECOMMEND IT. IT'S BEAUTIFUL PERSIAN POETRY.
IT'S DIRTY PERSIAN POETRY. PEOPLE LYING OUT IN THE WOODS EATING SANDWICHES, GETTING DRUNK WITH PITFALL AND WITH GIN.-----IT'S A SMUTTY BOOK!
"As much as wine has played the infidel
And robbed me of my robe of ofice; well!
I often wonder what the vintners buy
One half so precious as the good they sell.
Omar Khayyam.....From memory.
Ah that spring should vanish with the rose,
That youth's sweet-scented manuscript should close,
The nightingale that in the branches sang
Ah whence and whither flown again, who knows?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.