COVE

The 1920 edition of The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, translated by Edward FitzGerald and illustrated by Ronald Balfour, exemplifies the collaborative efforts of prominent figures in early 20th-century publishing. Published by Dodd, Mead and Company in New York and printed by the esteemed Chiswick Press in London, this edition crosses oceans.

Ronald Egerton Balfour (1896–1941) was a British illustrator and costume designer known for his distinctive Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Born into a prominent family, Balfour began his artistic journey during his service in the Royal Navy from 1916 to 1919. His illustrations for The Rubáiyát are characterized by intricate line work and a sensual aesthetic, reflecting the influence of artists like Aubrey Beardsley. These illustrations showcase Balfour's imaginative interpretation of Khayyám's quatrains, blending Eastern and Western styles and motifs.

Balfour’s illustrations were also know as a Beardsleyesque depiction. Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an English illustrator and author who's black ink drawings were influenced by Japanese woodcuts and teneded to depict the eroitc. 

Established in 1839 as Taylor and Dodd, the firm evolved into Dodd, Mead and Company by 1876. Initially focusing on religious texts, the company expanded to include a diverse range of literature, publishing works by authors such as G.K. Chesterton, H.G. Wells, and Agatha Christie. Their commitment to quality and literary excellence made them a significant force in American publishing .

Founded in 1811 by Charles Whittingham I, the Chiswick Press became renowned for its contributions to fine printing in England. Under the management of Charles Whittingham II, the press was critical in the revival of quality printing. They notably collaborated with William Morris. Their meticulous attention to typography and design is shown in this edition of The Rubáiyát, which ensures the companies high level of production.

Balfour's illustrations for The Rubáiyát are notable for their exotic and erotic imagery, which combines both Eastern motifs and Western artistic styles. Some critics noted that the illustrations did not always align directly with the corresponding stanzas, but they acknowledged overarchingly acknowledged the originality and sincerity of Balfour's vision. The illustrations reflect the cultural time period the 1920s, a period marked by an obesssion with Orientalism and blending traditional themes with modern artistic expressions.

This edition of The Rubáiyát is notable for its unique physical attributes and many illustrations. It contains numerous tipped-in plates (glued in illustrations), including six in full color, and a multitude of line drawings throughout the text. The book was printed on high-quality paper. The combination of literary significance, artistic merit, and production quality makes this edition unique and desirable to be collected.

The 1920 illustrated edition of The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of three talented parties, an illustrator, a publisher, and a printer. It represented the artistic and cultural sensibilities of its time, offering readers a unique visual and literary experience.

Works Cited

Contributors to Penny’s poetry pages Wiki. “Chiswick Press.” Penny’s Poetry Pages Wiki, Fandom, Inc., 

pennyspoetry.fandom.com/wiki/Chiswick_Press?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed 23 May 

2025.

Dodd, Mead & Company. “Dodd, Mead Company Archive.” Collection: Dodd, Mead Company Archive | 

Finding Aids for Archival Collections, findingaids.lib.udel.edu/repositories/2/resources/945. 

Accessed 23 May 2025.

King’s Collections : Exhibitions & Conferences : Charles Whittingham at the Chiswick Press, 

kingscollections.org/exhibitions/specialcollections/the-printed-page/the-19th-century-fine-printin

g-renaissance/charles-whittingham-at-the-chiswick-press. Accessed 23 May 2025.

“Ronald Balfour and His Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.” Omar Khayyam Rubaiyat, 20 Dec. 2020, 

omarkhayyamrubaiyat.wordpress.com/2020/12/20/ronald-balfour-and-his-rubaiyat-of-omar-khay

yam/.