# Edward FitzGerald

> English poet and translator (1809–1883)

**Wikidata**: [Q532457](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q532457)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_FitzGerald_(poet))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edward-fitzgerald

## Summary
Edward FitzGerald was an English poet and translator (1809–1883) known for his work as a lawyer and his contributions to Welsh literature. He is best remembered for his translations of Persian poetry, particularly his rendition of Omar Khayyam's *Rubáiyát*, which became a foundational work in English poetry.

## Biography
- Born: 1809, Dublin, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Education: Trinity College, Dublin
- Known for: Translating Persian poetry into English, particularly *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám*
- Employer(s): Trinity College, Dublin (educated); later worked as a lawyer
- Field(s): Poetry, translation, law

## Contributions
- **Translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám*** (1859): FitzGerald's English translation of the Persian poet Omar Khayyam's *Rubáiyát* (Quatrains) became a landmark in English poetry, influencing generations of poets and scholars. His version remains one of the most widely read and studied translations of the work.
- **Legal Career**: Practiced law in Dublin, contributing to the legal profession during his lifetime.
- **Welsh Literary Influence**: His translations and writings helped introduce Persian poetry to a wider English-speaking audience, enriching Welsh literature.

## FAQs
**What is Edward FitzGerald best known for?**
Edward FitzGerald is best known for his translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám*, which became a foundational work in English poetry and significantly influenced Welsh literature.

**Where did Edward FitzGerald study?**
Edward FitzGerald was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he pursued his legal and literary studies.

**Did Edward FitzGerald have any notable legal career?**
Yes, FitzGerald practiced law in Dublin, contributing to the legal profession during his lifetime.

**What impact did his translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám* have?**
His translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám* became a landmark in English poetry, influencing generations of poets and scholars and enriching Welsh literature.

**How did Edward FitzGerald contribute to Welsh literature?**
FitzGerald's translations and writings helped introduce Persian poetry to a wider English-speaking audience, enriching Welsh literature.

## Why They Matter
Edward FitzGerald's translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám* remains a cornerstone of English poetry, shaping the literary landscape for over a century. His work introduced Persian poetry to a global audience, particularly in Welsh literature, and influenced countless poets and scholars. FitzGerald's legal career, though less documented, underscores his multifaceted contributions to both literature and the legal profession. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of his translations, which continue to be studied and admired today.

## Notable For
- **Landmark Translation**: *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám* (1859), one of the most influential English translations of Persian poetry.
- **Legal Professional**: Practiced law in Dublin, contributing to the legal profession.
- **Welsh Literary Influence**: Enriched Welsh literature through his translations of Persian poetry.
- **Educational Background**: Studied at Trinity College, Dublin, where he pursued both legal and literary studies.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born in 1809 in Dublin, United Kingdom, FitzGerald was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied law and literature.
- His early exposure to Persian poetry, particularly through his father's collection, laid the foundation for his future translations.

### Literary Career
- **Translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám*** (1859): FitzGerald's English translation of Omar Khayyam's *Rubáiyát* became a landmark in English poetry, influencing generations of poets and scholars. His version remains one of the most widely read and studied translations of the work.
- **Influence on Welsh Literature**: His translations and writings helped introduce Persian poetry to a wider English-speaking audience, enriching Welsh literature.

### Legal Career
- Practiced law in Dublin, contributing to the legal profession during his lifetime.
- His legal career, though less documented, highlights his multifaceted contributions to both literature and the legal profession.

### Legacy
- FitzGerald's translation of *The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám* remains a cornerstone of English poetry, shaping the literary landscape for over a century.
- His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of his translations, which continue to be studied and admired today.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. CERL Thesaurus
3. 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/FitzGerald, Edward
4. Find a Grave
5. Library of Congress Authorities
6. Union List of Artist Names
7. discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk
8. BnF authorities
9. The Peerage
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. SNAC
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13. [Source](http://mak.bn.org.pl/cgi-bin/KHW/makwww.exe?BM=01&IM=04&NU=01&WI=A19501377)
14. OpenData BNP
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19. International Standard Name Identifier
20. [British National Bibliography](http://bnb.data.bl.uk/doc/person/FitzGeraldEdward1809-1883)
21. Libraries Australia Authorities
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25. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.fitzgera)
26. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
27. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
28. Proleksis Encyclopedia
29. AlKindi
30. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
31. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
32. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
33. Enciclopedia Treccani
34. LIBRIS. 2018
35. Smithsonian American Art Museum person/institution ID
36. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/fitzgerald-edward)
37. Catalogo of the National Library of India