The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam, in the famous translation by Edward Fitzgerald, remains one of the most popular poems. It expressed the fascination of Victorian England with the Orient. Here, it forms the main work on the first half of this program, along with other shorter poems by other leading Persian and Indian figures, including Rumi, Sa'di, and Rabindranath Tagore. The second half of the program is devoted to works written by Western poets on the theme of the East with The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan, an excerpt from Thomas Moore's Lalla Rookh - one of the best sellers of the early 19th century.
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"Though I am no expert on Rumi, I would imagine that these poems belong just as much to Barks as Rumi. Barks's poems are interpretations based on existing translations of Rumi's poems, but, nevertheless, are beautiful and powerful. The nature of love and search for divinity sear through these poems. " — Caitlin (4 out of 5 stars)
"Though I am no expert on Rumi, I would imagine that these poems belong just as much to Barks as Rumi. Barks's poems are interpretations based on existing translations of Rumi's poems, but, nevertheless, are beautiful and powerful. The nature of love and search for divinity sear through these poems. "
" This anthology of poetry is marvellous! This is my first time reading this book but i take it that i will come back to it many times 'cause it's just one of those poetry books that you can just open to any page and be taken to Rumi's world. "
" Fabulous translation and commentary by Coleman Barks. Very Nice Collection. "
" One of those books that you could not put down until the very end. I now understand what they mean by "divine poetry".And I am glad I got the translation by Barks. He's quite a character as well :D "
" I love this book. This guy must have been way into women and sex way back then. I post some of my favorite poems from him on Facebook from time to time. "
" I love reading the poems of Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks. This book is so passionate and beautiful. There is such a spiritual thread through all the poems. I keep it on my bedside table and often turn to it before going to sleep. "
" Yes, the Rumi's book is the book of love , is there any thing else in this world which matters.....I actually watched a movie today called " The devil's advocate " staring Al - Pacino and Keanua Reeves.....it actually shows what lack of love can do to people. "
" Nobody does Rumi like Coleman Barks. His understanding of Rumi's wild abandon in his love affair with the Divine are reflected in the selection and organization of poems, inspired translations and enlightening commentary. My copy has many bookmarked pages I know I'll be returning to. "
" The one star goes to the translator. His translation is really bad. It is actually not a translation but a silly adaptation of Rumi's poems. In between the poems you have to survive the "philosophical" comments of the wise translator. "
" The man wrote 800 years ago in a radically different language and culture, and every word comes through. "
" Although the translation of this book does not fully do Rumi's poetry justice. It still allows us to admire his passionate poetry. "
" I've been reading Rumi on and off for many years. I love how he writes. Oh, maybe I am thinking of Rilke. :-DAhem. I worked in a New Age bookstore, so yes, I've read Rumi. Love talking about love. "
" While not my favorite poet (that would be Kenneth Rexroth)... or even maybe in my top ten favorite poets of all time, I enjoy this collection very much. I like to read Rumi's poetry aloud because the words always taste good in my mouth. If that makes any sense. "
" its like my hundreth time reading it!!! a must have on life lessons, and above all love!!! "
Jalal ad–Din ar–Rumi (1207–1273), or simply Rumi, was a thirteenth-century poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He was perhaps the finest Persian poet of all time and a great influence on Muslim writing and culture. While he led a fairly ordinary life until the age of thirty-five, after meeting and subsequently losing his great friend and Sufi teacher Shams, Rumi was moved to emit his soul through poetry. With Shams influence, he became filled with the love of God.
Rumi is considered today to be a love poet and many translations of his work have become mere love poems. Though love is an overwhelming part of Rumi’s work, the love he speaks of is a higher love for God, not for humans. Nevertheless, the imagery and language he uses has proved to be universal and enduring and he continues to be one of the best-selling poets in America.
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