The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr.   By: Wallace Irwin (1876-1959)

"The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr." is a brilliant work of satire by Wallace Irwin that takes on the form and themes of the original "Rubaiyat" by Omar Khayyam. It is a clever and playful reinterpretation that employs humor and wit throughout its pages.

Irwin's mastery lies in his ability to seamlessly blend the familiar style of the original Persian quatrains with his own modern twist. Written in four-line stanzas, or rubaiyat, the poems eloquently convey timeless themes such as the transient nature of life, the pursuit of pleasure, and the inevitability of death. However, Irwin infuses these ideas with a comical touch, often poking fun at societal conventions and absurdity.

The protagonist, Omar Khayyam Jr., seems to be a direct descendant of the renowned Persian poet and philosopher Omar Khayyam. Yet, unlike his famous ancestor, he embodies a more contemporary perspective, demonstrating a satirical take on various aspects of society. Through his witty and irreverent verses, Khayyam Jr. critiques the follies of his time, humorously exposing the hypocrisies and contradictions present in the world around him.

What particularly captivates the reader is Irwin's poetic finesse. He successfully replicates the poetic style of the original "Rubaiyat" with remarkable precision, while injecting his own humorous touch. The verses flow effortlessly, carrying a rhythm and cadence that reflect the beauty of the original Persian poetry, yet infusing them with a light-heartedness that keeps the reader engaged.

Beyond the clever humor and amusing social commentary, "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr." also offers moments of genuine reflection. In its satirical lens, it explores the existential questions that have plagued humanity for centuries, prompting introspection and contemplation even amidst the laughter.

The book is not only a delightful read for lovers of poetry and satire but also serves as a unique homage to the original "Rubaiyat" and its enduring legacy. Wallace Irwin demonstrates a profound understanding of both Khayyam's intentions and the socio-cultural context in which the original work was penned. By intertwining these elements with his own imaginative twist, Irwin successfully creates a work that pays tribute to the original while standing on its own as a remarkable piece of literature.

"The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr." is a delightful and thought-provoking read that attests to the timelessness and adaptability of poetry. It is a testament to Wallace Irwin's skill as a wordsmith and his ability to craft a work that is simultaneously entertaining and profound.

First Page:

Since the publication of Edward Fitzgerald's classic translation of the Rubaiyat in 1851 or rather since its general popularity several years later poets minor and major have been rendering the sincerest form of flattery to the genius of the Irishman who brought Persia into the best regulated families. Unfortunately there was only one Omar and there were scores of imitators who, in order to make the Astronomer go round, were obliged to draw him out to the thinness of Balzac's Magic Skin. While all this was going on, the present Editor was forced to conclude that the burning literary need was not for more translators, but for more Omars to translate; and what was his surprise to note that the work of a later and superior Omar Khayyam was lying undiscovered in the wilds of Borneo! Here, indeed, was a sensation in the world of letters a revelation as thrilling as the disinterment of Ossian's forgotten songs the discovery of an unsubmerged Atlantis. While some stout Cortez more worthy than the Editor might have stood on this new Darien and gazed over the sleeping demesne of Omar Khayyam, Jr... Continue reading book >>