Edward Fitzgerald

Date of Birth: March 31, 1809

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 14, 1883

Biography

Edward FitzGerald was an English poet best known for his translation of “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám,” a collection of quatrains attributed to the Persian mathematician and astronomer Omar Khayyám. Born into a wealthy family, FitzGerald enjoyed the privileges of a comfortable upbringing and a quality education. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he became friends with several notable literary figures of his time, including Alfred Tennyson and William Makepeace Thackeray. Despite his literary connections, FitzGerald lived a relatively reclusive life, dedicating himself to his translations and various literary pursuits. His translation of “The Rubáiyát” was initially published anonymously in 1859, but it gained widespread popularity and acclaim posthumously.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Fitzgerald

1. Edward FitzGerald was born Edward Purcell, but his family changed their surname to FitzGerald in 1818.

2. He was an accomplished pianist and had a close friendship with the composer William Sterndale Bennett.

3. FitzGerald was a keen sailor and spent much of his later life in a small cottage in Suffolk, close to the sea.

4. His translation of “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám” is considered one of the most famous and popular English translations of a literary work.

5. FitzGerald was known for his reclusive nature, often avoiding social gatherings and preferring the company of a close circle of friends.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Fitzgerald

1. “A book of verses underneath the bough, a jug of wine, a loaf of bread—and thou.”

2. “The moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on.”

3. “Ah, my beloved, fill the cup that clears today of past regrets and future fears.”

4. “The heart of man is in his tongue, and the soul of man is in his will.”

5. “There was the door to which I found no key; there was the veil through which I might not see.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edward FitzGerald’s highest net worth was not well-documented, but he was born into a wealthy family and enjoyed financial security throughout his life, allowing him to pursue his literary interests without financial concerns.