The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition by Jalal al-Din Rumi Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition
Book Review: A must read for Gnostics
Summary: 5 Stars
Few people know this but there are three (main) types of Gnostics: Islamic, Jewish and Christian. Sufism is the form of Islamic Gnosticism. I am a fledgling Gnostic myself and I didn't realize Rumi had so much to offer me even though I'm of the Christian variety. His poetry speaks to me on so many levels and I know that by reading it I am further along the path to attaining gnosis. As other reviewers have said, Rumi's poetry is beautiful. Read as much of it as you can. This ook is a good start. I could spend pages writing about the beauty and the isight but I can only say that once you read some of this book you'll know it will speak to you.
Book Review: A stoner dreams Rumi
Summary: 2 Stars
Coleman Barks knows no Persian; his poems can thus most charitably be described as inspired by Rumi. As such the book's title gives a false impression.
Knowing no Persian either I am in no position to judge these poems against the real Rumi. Compared to other Mystics whom I do understand (like Meister Eckhardt, Jakob Boehme, Hildegard von Bingen) I get a sense that they try to describe the wonder of life, often in the small things, as well as the horror that is equally a part of it. This sense of depth and complexity is lacking in Mr. Barks' poems, they are saccharine in a 'Pop' way and like Pop can become quite grating after a while.
On a positive note Coleman Barks has made me become interested in Rumi, so that's a plus, and he relies heavily on the works of Annemarie Schimmel who is indeed outstanding.
Book Review: A timeless reference to the human experience
Summary: 5 Stars
Keep this book around as a reference during hard times, or just as a reflective read. All people from all backgrounds will find something here for them.Book Review: An American Rumi
Summary: 5 Stars
This book may well become an American classic of poetry someday. It is by far the best English collection of Rumi's poetry, done by his most able translator.Although Rumi's poetry -- as with most poetry -- is at core untranslatable, Barks has done a fine job in rendering older technical translations of the Maulana into poetic English. What one encounters here is not just Rumi, but Rumi filtered through Barks. If you object to that go learn Persian because no translation will be able to capture the subtle nuances conveyed through the original language.
Barks should be commended in showing us another face of Islam, and revealing, in the process, the timeless, universal and transreligious teachings of one of Islam's greatest saints.
For fans of Rumi/Barks, I suggest Winkel's new book: Damascus Steel. Its a work of fiction exploring contemporary political themes through sufi lenses, and was written before (!) September 11th.
Book Review: An excellent introduction to Rumi!
Summary: 5 Stars
Those who are familiar with the Pesrian language know that a proper translation can be next to impossible, especially from Rumi. However, Coleman Barks does an exceptional job of introducing Rumi's poetry into the English language. A fine work of art and a pleasure to read!