The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition

This book is better than I could have hoped. It is absolute nourishment for the soul and I love the way that Coleman Barks arranges the poems. Indeed, he does a marvellous job at translating Rumi's golden words into English! I have such love for Rumi right now, as well as for Shams of Tabriz, the man who fuelled Rumi's passion. How has this book escaped my attention until now? Why is it not on every book shelf? Blessings to the Friend, who breathed air into Rumi and played him like a reed-flute. His words have rang out through the centuries and will never stop vibrating!

I'm still waiting to read this - will save it for a holiday when I'm away from home. Lovely looking book, and I enjoy the works of Rumi

Rumi is a Persian poet (1200's) who transcends philosophy & religion. Coleman Barks translates as if from inside the spirit of Rumi. I'll let Rumi speak for himself:Only BreathNot Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu,Buddhist, Sufi or Zen. Not any religionor cultural system. I am not from the Eastor the West, not out of the ocean or upfrom the ground, not natural or ethereal, notcomposed of elements at all. I do not exist,am not an entity in this world or the next,did not descend from Adam and Eve or anyorigin story. My place is placeless, a traceof the traceless. Neither body or soul.I belong to the beloved, have seen the twoworlds as one and that one call to and knowfirst, last, outer, inner, only thatbreath breathing human being.

Perhaps a bit intellectual for me! Good quality book, clear print.

It lived up to expectations. Rumi was a genius and The Essential Rumi is the best collection of Rumi. I sent it to a family member who absolutely loved it!

This is the best volume of Rumi that I have read. very beautiful and always so full of wisdom and light.

This expanded edition is well printed and bound. Highly recommended.

Inspirational poetry for all faiths. This was recommended at an interfaith conference and definitely an excellent buy!Lovely to read first thing in the morning.