London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1909. First Thus. Limited to 750 copies, numbered and signed by the artist (this copy being 68). Large quarto (12 5/16 x 9 7/8 inches; 313 x 250 mm.). [124] pages (including inserted title). Original vellum over boards pictorially stamped and lettered in gilt on front cover and spine. Later silk ties. Top edge gilt, others uncut. Tan end-papers stamped in light olive green with a repeated peacock feather design. Ink name on front paste-down. Twenty color plates mounted on buff vellum-like paper with gilt over tan decorative borders. With descriptive tissue guards. Text printed on rectos only within a brown decorative border. Minimal discoloration to vellum, front board very slightly bowed, otherwise a Near Fine copy.

"In point of excellence of art, popularity, distinction and profit the crowning achievement... was the publication of the Fitzgerald version of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám illustrated by Edmund Dulac. The book was a joy and a treasure. Its public acceptance was immediate and great."

Hughey 21. (Item #3618)