"A BOOK, A WOMAN, AND A FLASK OF WINE": LE GALLIENNE'S RUBAIYAT, IN A LAVISH BUMPUS BINDING

(LE GALLIENNE, Richard) KHAYYAM, Omar. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. London: John Lane / The Bodley Head, 1908. Small octavo, contemporary full teal morocco, front cover with gilt center medallion and border of flower and leaf motifs composed of black, green, tan and red leather onlays; elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, gilt-ruled dentelles, all edges gilt. $3800.

Early edition of Le Gallienne's reworking of the Fitzgerald translation, beautifully bound by Bumpus.

Originally composed in 12th-century Persia, these stanzas were rendered into English verse by Richard Le Gallienne ("a true Bacchic poet" according to the New York Times), who described his text as "a paraphrase from several literal translations" and gave the quatrains a strong libertine flavor. Bardic Press noted the "sharp and poetic" nature of Le Gallienne's version compared to the classic FitzGerald translation. Stated fourth edition. Inked gift inscription dated 12/25/11.

Light spotting to preliminary and final leaves, text pages clean; spine gently toned, front cover with small nick to one petal onlay. A gorgeous copy.