RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM

United States, 1911. 158 x 133 mm. (6 1/4 x 5 1/4"). 20 leaves.Translated by Edward FitzGerald.
APPEALING DARK BROWN CRUSHED MOROCCO, center of both covers with a large and intricate circular ornament composed of gilt tendrils and amber-colored leafy inlays, raised bands with simple gilt devices and titling, FINE DECORATIVE AMBER MOROCCO DOUBLURES repeating the leafy motif in black and green inlays, gilt edges. HAND LETTERED AND ILLUMINATED THROUGHOUT, each page with multiple marginal decorations in an Arabic style--the title, half title, and opening page of text with more elaborate gilt decoration--the whole done on Japon. ◆A little rubbing and scuffing to binding (but well disguised by dye), upper joint ever-so-slightly cracked at head and tail, otherwise very pleasing inside and out.

This is a charming manuscript production of FitzGerald's translation of the "Rubaiyat," bound in a bespoke binding that coordinates beautifully with the design of the illumination. The lettering and decoration are done with a good deal of skill on pleasing, smooth paper, and the understated visual program, composed of simple motifs and a reduced color palette, is greatly enhanced by the binding (which we suspect may have also have been designed by the illuminator). Harriet Kaucher is no doubt the woman who illustrated a number of books for young adults ("When I Grow Up" in 1915, "Abraham Lincoln," 1917), but we could trace no other manuscript done by her. Though there is no inscription present here, this work has the air of a special gift made for a special occasion..