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2009 The year of the Rubaiyat
- The opportunities
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Exploring the rich heritage of the Rubaiyat
of the verses, which include a cornucopia of fine editions and
curiosities, from the jewels of the Great Omar to parodies like the Golfer’s
Rubaiyat;
Visual art stimulated by the Rubaiyat, with illustrative paintings
and drawings by artists of all periods up to the present day;
Music and drama inspired, ranging from song cycles and great
oratorios to modern jazz works and crossover world music.
The people and their amazing stories , like ‘dotty’ FitzGerald,
the friend of Tennyson; Cowell, the extraordinary linguist; the Ouseley
brothers, travellers and collectors of manuscripts; and, of course, Omar
Khayyam himself.
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Looking at issues raised
by the Rubaiyat and its history
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such as why we are here and what happens after death
Literature and thought in the Victorian and Edwardian periods,
the impact of Darwin and the growth of scepticism.
Relations between Iran and the West over a millenium, and how
and why they have evolved.
Life and pre-occupations in the mediaeval Middle East, including
the spread of Islam and the Mongol invasion.
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This is an opportunity for all

Museums and libraries
Arts organisations and teachers
Academics and cultural organisations
and many others
Illustration with
acknowledgement to Edmund Sullivan
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Click
here for some project ideas
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