Bill Martin and Sandra Mason maintain a longstanding interest in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and have a substantial library of the different editions and associated materials. They have been actively involved in creating exhibitions and other projects related to FitzGerald and the Rubaiyat. They are the authors of a number of books, including The Art of Omar Khayyam: Illustrating FitzGerald's Rubaiyat (I. B. Tauris, 2007) and Edward FitzGerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (2011). Bill Martin and Sandra Mason maintain a longstanding interest in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and have a substantial library of the different editions and associated materials. They have been actively involved in creating exhibitions and other projects related to FitzGerald and the Rubaiyat. They are the authors of a number of books, including The Art of Omar Khayyam: Illustrating FitzGerald's Rubaiyat (I. B. Tauris, 2007) and Edward FitzGerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (2011)."

• ContentsIntroduction – The Man behind the RubáiyátAcknowledgementsA brief chronology of the life of Edward FitzGeraldNote on the quotations from the lettersList of illustrations Part 1Learning about FitzGerald from his own words- the relationships and events that shaped his life1.Edward FitzGerald, a man of letters2.1809-29 – FitzGerald's early years3.1830-40 – A young man on the move4.1841-55 – Finding his feet as a writer5.1856-59 – Creating the Rubáiyát despite personal crises6.1860-71 – New interests in East Anglian life7.1872-83 – Renewal of literary pursuits and contacts8.A new appreciation of Edward FitzGeraldPart 2Insights into Victorian life and opinions- as portrayed by FitzGerald in his letters9.A window on the world of the 19th century10.Writing and readingFitzGerald's own writingsContemporary poetryContemporary novelsOther contemporary writingGreek and Latin classicsShakespeareOther English classicsFrench, Italian and German literatureSpanish literaturePersian literature and other oriental worksWritings by FitzGerald's friendsMiscellaneous writings11.The artsTheatreMusicPictures and artworks12.Family and friendsFitzGerald familySchool friendsUniversity friends Neighbours Literary friends Artistic friends Other friends and acquaintances 13.Other interests and views Current affairs Religion Travel Leisure activities Nature and countryside Food and drink Personal matters Part 3Background information and additional analyses Appendix 1 – The people whom FitzGerald knew Appendix 2 – The places where FitzGerald lived and stayed Appendix 3 – FitzGerald's library and literary remains Appendix 4 – A statistical analysis of FitzGerald's letters Bibliography Notes and references Index