The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr.

A surprising literary treasure has emerged from the jungles of Borneo: the quatrains of a long‑forgotten poet who calls himself Omar Khayyam Jr. This fresh translation, rendered into lively English verse, offers a witty, slightly mischievous take on the classic themes of wine, fate, and the fleeting nature of life. The editor’s lively introduction frames the discovery as an adventure in scholarship, noting the playful rivalry with the famous earlier Rubáiyát and the eccentric charm of the translator’s prose.

The verses themselves follow the younger Omar’s own odyssey—forced to flee his native Persia after a violent clash with zealots, he wanders as a tent‑maker before settling in Borneo, where his poetry eventually wins the admiration of the island’s people. The collection blends Persian philosophical musings with the exotic colors of his new home, all illustrated with whimsical drawings that echo the poet’s blend of solemn reflection and cheeky humor. Listeners will find a rare glimpse into a poet’s quest to redeem his family’s legacy while navigating a world far from the gardens of Naishapur.