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.
"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 *"