The Harry Ransom Center will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the translation of "The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám."

	The poems were produced in numerous editions and in a variety of styles.

The exhibition runs from Feb. 3 to Aug. 2, at the humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin.

Called "The Persian Sensation," the exhibit celebrates the poem's transition from obscurity to fame, with a 150-year-old translation, onto the British and American literary scene.

"In the late 19th century, it became largely popular, almost 50 years after it was published," museum co-curator Molly Scwartzburg said. "It exploded, it exploded in a way that is very difficult for us to see today, and what this exhibition does is go back and show some of the artifacts and show you just how popular it was."

At the height of the British Empire, in the late 19th century, scholars believe people were very much concerned with rethinking the basis of their Christian belief, she said.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	HRC News 8's Veronica Castelo tells you more about the exhibit.

"'The Rubáiyát' is a poem about doubt, about questioning God, about being concerned about what's going to happen after you die, and in the face of fear and anxiety, embracing life to the fullest," Scwartzburg said.

The poems became venerated by many, and numerous editions were printed in a variety of styles, sizes and designs.

For more information about this and other exhibits at the Harry Ransom Center, visit their Web site at www.hrc.utexas.edu.