Rumi: Selected Poems (Penguin Classics) Paperback – June 24, 2004

I bought Rumi 30 years ago and have bought it as gifts for others and the book is a staple. His words are alive, rings true and touches the heart. The truth is never old.

A few years ago, I saw a videotape of Bill Moyers at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. One of the featured poets was Coleman Barks reading his translations of Rumi. There's a translation issue here, of course. Where does Rumi stop and Coleman begin? There's an obvious affinity. Nevertheless, the poems cut right to the heart of that rarified ecstatic state that Rumi (and apparently Coleman) exist in and many of us only visit on occasion. Shortly thereafter, I found a lovely remaindered hardcover out at an area bookstore and without hesitation, decided to own it. For me, this is the kind of book to pick up and randomly open, sort of like one of those "Magic 8-Balls" that used to be so popular. Whatever poems are on that page, they are the right ones for me at the time. The book has been a private treasure to me over the years. Flash forward to last April when my granddaughter invited us to her investiture ceremony for National Honor Society: Each student was allowed to select a special quotation. While most of the students chose quotations from King or F. Scott Fitzgerald, my granddaughter selected Rumi! When I asked her how she knew about Rumi, a poet not usually taught in Wisconsin high schools, she told me she had found him on the internet. As you might imagine, I knew what gift I would give her for her birthday. That is what led me to zip off to Amazon to purchase this second copy of "The Essential Rumi." I gave my hardcover book to my granddaughter, but I could not be without a copy for myself. I am telling this tale because I think it shows what an important book this is in the context of my life and might be exactly what you--dear potential reader--might grow to love, as well.

Beautiful quality, very happy with purchase! The engraved calligraphy on the cover is a really nice touch

while I got the book I wanted and its in perfect condition.The book I got didn't match the cover of the one in the picture.i almost thought it wasn't the book at first look but it is, but with a different cover.So a piece of advice, the seller should post a picture of the actual cover of the book.The book I got wasn't like the red covered cover with the Rumi name and the translators name in the yellow square like in the picture but a black cover with real life pictures of Dancing Dervishes.With that been said this title is really good

There are certain books everybody should own and keep in their personal library and this is one of them. This book speaks to you in different times of your life. Sometimes you get one poem and not another and then later the other poem will come alive for you. I love Rumi's work and have loved it before it became fashionable.

The poetic master piece that is Rumi's exotic existence is laid out in grand detail with beauty and grace. His words flow with the elegance of a night gown is a soft wind, soothing the rhythmic upbeats of an anxious heart and delving deep in the open ocean of purity that is expressed through concentrated love.

As a huge poetry and literature fan, I couldn't pass up the chance to upgrade my penguin classics edition to this more comprehensive version of Rumi. Fraught with themes of life, love, lust, companionship, outlook, really any strata of emotional or human thought, this collection is a gem of Rumi's work. I am not one to dabble in qualifications or translating accuracy- I simply go with what feels right and this book felt beautifully right from beginning to end.

This must be my 3rd copy of this book over the years --- Coleman Barks is my favorite Rumi translator. Rumi is very devotional, a finger pointing at the moon. Sometimes these translations take me to the moon. Most of the other translations are much too dry and stilted. My other favorite Rumi/Barks book is "Birdsong".