Lecture Notes: Internet History Sourcebooks - Medieval Sourcebook

Overview of the Source

• Title: Omar Khayyam: The Cup, c. 1110
• Published in: The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, 1917, by Charles F. Horne
• Translation by: E. H. Whinfield
• Modernization by: Jerome S. Arkenberg, Cal. State Fullerton

Content Summary

• Themes:
  • Connection between nature and human emotion
  • Symbolism of blood and tears in flowers
  • Importance of accepting human weaknesses and life's imperfections
  • Expression of life’s struggles and the solace found in wine
• Main Ideas:
  • The tulip's and violet's colors are symbolically linked to blood and tears.
  • Life’s challenges are depicted with roses and thorns.
  • The poem suggests finding solace in wine, as it is preordained and recognized by Heaven.

Internet Medieval Sourcebook

• A collection of public domain and copy-permitted texts focused on medieval and Byzantine history.
• Permission granted for educational purposes and personal use, with proper source citation.
• No permission for commercial use.

Source and Project Background

• Project: Internet History Sourcebooks Project
• Location: Fordham University, History Department, New York
• Managed by: Center for Medieval Studies at Fordham University
• Independent Project: Not owned by Fordham University but supported technically by it.
• Site Concept and Design: Paul Halsall
• Initial Creation: January 26, 1996
• Latest Revision: October 24, 2024

Important Contacts

• Project Email: [email protected]
• Paul Halsall: [email protected]