The Mystical Poems of Rumi 1 (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Persian Heritage)

Rating:
Summary: One of the best translations
Review: It is unfortunate that most readers are introduced to Rumi through the "interpretations" of Coleman Barks (you'll notice I didn't say translations). A. J. Arberry's tranlslations are where readers should start; as a matter of fact Barks himself said that he uses Arberry's translations, which should speak volumes in itself. Arberry stays very close to the literal readings and the notes he provides are invaluable when reading these poems. There are a few places where the notes prove very helpful because Rumi plays on words a lot and the double meanings would have went over my head otherwise. And because Rumi's original works haven't survived there are several versions of what might be called his "original" poetry. The differences, when they arise, are included in the notes and there are a few instances where the alternate reading makes more sense than the one given. If you are an avid reader of Rumi or looking for an introduction, this book and its companion volume are a must have.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best translations
Review: It is unfortunate that most readers are introduced to Rumi through the "interpretations" of Coleman Barks (you'll notice I didn't say translations). A. J. Arberry's tranlslations are where readers should start; as a matter of fact Barks himself said that he uses Arberry's translations, which should speak volumes in itself. Arberry stays very close to the literal readings and the notes he provides are invaluable when reading these poems. There are a few places where the notes prove very helpful because Rumi plays on words a lot and the double meanings would have went over my head otherwise. And because Rumi's original works haven't survived there are several versions of what might be called his "original" poetry. The differences, when they arise, are included in the notes and there are a few instances where the alternate reading makes more sense than the one given. If you are an avid reader of Rumi or looking for an introduction, this book and its companion volume are a must have.

Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: This 2 volume set of translations by Arberry and the translations by Nicholson are the best readily available. Numerous "renderings" by popular writers littering the bookstores fail to even touch the depth and layers of meaning to be found in Rumi. These are works of spiritual power brought to life for the english reader by a scholar in the language and history of the Sufi traditions. If you want the real thing, this is it.

Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: This 2 volume set of translations by Arberry and the translations by Nicholson are the best readily available. Numerous "renderings" by popular writers littering the bookstores fail to even touch the depth and layers of meaning to be found in Rumi. These are works of spiritual power brought to life for the english reader by a scholar in the language and history of the Sufi traditions. If you want the real thing, this is it.