The Essential Rumi

disappointed. first the book does not look like the picture advertised, second it feels almost like someone printed it at home. The paper is cheep and thick and not cut evenly. I know it sounds bizarre and that’s why I attached photos. Very weird. Never in my life I bought a new book looking like this one. I do recommend the book itself but just not from this seller.

This collection of Rumi poems is well translated, and I'm enjoying the collection of poems chosen for the volume. After so many centuries, Rumi's wisdom is relevant today.

I, sometimes forget to read the fine print. well used for many years; thats okay the pages are still legible.

Meh

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

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".

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.

I have several Rumi books, this is by the most comprehensive.....it is a MUST for anyone that loves Rumi. If your ever having a bad day, this book will inspire you to laugh, reflect, and feel your heart....I find that I read it thru in one sitting and it sustains me for days and years!!!!

This Book is advertised under the title "Selected Poems (Penguin Classics) 24 Jun 2004by Rumi and Coleman Barks, but it is a totally different book and not the translation by Coleman Parks, but few poems translated by Mahin and Nahal Tajadad and Jean-Louis Carriere. This book comes when you click on the hard copy version. I will be returning the items. A frustrating false advertising. If you are intending to buy Selected poems, by Penguin this is not the one.

I am a nobody to review the work of Rumi, his outlook of life and everything it contains is incomparable. As you read his words, its as if you discover a new face of life altogether! Mesmerised. Some words of his, are as good as a therapy. If one doesn't have interest for the poetic words, then it is not for you. But since its written in simple English, anyone can give it a try! Penguin, has done an amazing job at putting up this book together. With themes to follow, you can start & read wherever, without having to go from page 1 to the end. And this book, is best, when you take little doses of it everyday ;) Go Ahead!

A thought provoking work of very different imaginative powers. His background and history illuminates his work.

Excellent

We all like different sorts of poetry and for some reason I didn't like this much.