Product Description

Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi's comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi's work covers not only Khayyam's well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald's Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #348556 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
"An extensive account of Omar Khayyam's work; the public can now become acquainted with the thought of this unique Persian intellectual figure." -- Hossein Ziai - Professor of Islamic and Iranian Studies, UCLA

"The most comprehensive study of the great Persian philosopher Omar Khayyam available today in any European language." -- Leonard Lewisohn - Author of The Heritage of Sufism, and Iran Heritage Foundation Fellow in Persian and Sufi Literature, Exeter University

"This is the most nuanced and balanced study of the elusive Omar Khayyam that I have yet encountered. Khayyam is clearly a man for all ages, and Mehdi Aminrazavi does a fine job of introducing him anew to our insecure post-modern world." -- John Perry - Professor of Persian, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Chicago

" ... An inspiring monograph ... an appealing and intriguing portrait ... a must for lovers of Omar Khayyam." --International Journal of Middle East Studies

This is the most nuanced and balanced study of the elusive Omar Khayyam that I have yet encountered. Khayyam is clearly a man for all ages, and Mehdi Aminrazavi does a fine job of introducing him anew to our insecure post-modern world. -- John Perry - Professor of Persian, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Chicago

About the Author
Author Mehdi Aminrazavi is Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Co-Director of the Center for Asian Studies at Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia, US.

Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Treatise on Khayyam
I am a filmmaker who spent 7 years making a feature film about the legendary mathematician, astronomer, poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam. I cannot think of another book published in this world that gives a more complete and thorough understanding of Khayyam. Dr. Aminrazavi's book is a scholarly masterpiece that illuminates the reader's mind with well researched, solid facts debunking the myths surrounding Khayyam. Each chapter clearly lays out the author's own struggle with what is fact and what is fiction. The book also explores Khayyam's vast influence on literature in the West. If there is anyone out there who wants an encyclopedic look into the mind of the 11th Century genius with the soul of a poet, look no further...purchase Wine of Wisdom today!

enlightened reading
The seems to be a lot of redundancy in the first part of the book but the overall information, history and review of the philosophy is well presented.
A very interesting book and enjoyable to read.

A good overview
This book reviewed many writers/articles on these 13th Century poems and the mathamation/philosopher poet(or poets) who is (are)responsible for them. The information was interesting and helpful. Background into the times and traditions was included.