The Illuminated Rumi

Some people who are more educated about Rumi complain that the translations by Coleman Barks are not accurate enough. I am no expert on Rumi, and I probably will not become one. I am a casual observer. This book with it's wonderful poems and exotic images is captivating. It is better than I expected, though perhaps less than compelling than Rumi's original words. But then, when any book is translated from one language to another, things are lost. However, I think this is a great introduction to Rumi. The poems in the book seem to be well chosen, and the images in the book are very fascinating. Consider it a beginning -- an introduction to Rumi, and also a book that might compel you to read more books of Rumi's poems. And as a coffee table book, others will pick it up and look. They too might be compelled to learn more about Rumi and his poetry. The poems are inspiring. The illustrations are most creative, and perhaps distracting from the poetry. They attract more attention than the poems. Still, however, the poems are the core of the book, and once you see an image, you'll want to read the poem that inspired it. Most of the experts on Rumi agree that there are better books, but this is a great introduction and it will inspire the curious to read more. This is a worthy hard cover, table top introduction. Buy it! The price is right. The poems are beautifully laid out. The illustrations are very captivating. When I first opened the package and took a glance at it, the only thing that I could say was "Oh my!" I think you'll be delighted with it too.

My favorite publication of Rumi poems. Fantastic art accompanying the poems!!! I bought this book several times, sending it as a surprise gift to people I love. They fell in love with it, too!

This is a fantastic beginning Rumi book because it has the perfect balance of poems and sayings with background information and history. Top that off with intriguing art images and you have a great Rumi book. I found that if I read and absorbed a few pages at a time I really could wrap my head around what Rumi was saying. I also enjoyed the arch of organization in this book. It felt very transformative for me personally. Also check out the table of contents. You've never seen one quite like this one. Just such a treasured book!

Stunning! The images and everything—I bought it as a gift and got a second one as it's beautiful. And love Rumi.

This book is so beautifully illustrated. Of course, it contains the incomparable passages of Rumi, so the combination make this a winner of a book. The explanations of the work is wonderful and so insightful. I found it to be very helpful when reading some of the pieces.. This is a beautiful book!

Gorgeous illustrations by Michael Green paired with Coleman Barks' ever-accessible, acclaimed translations of Rumi. A stunning volume of digital imagery and centuries- renowned verse by the beloved Sufi Master. I also love Michael Green and Coleman Barks' newest offering of THE ILLUMINATED HAFIZ , an anthology of translators' works, (including Robert Bly, Meher Baba, and others) illustrated with Michael's artist wife, Saliha. Both books are stunning and perfect for gift giving on any occasion. Glad to see a new edition to follow this beloved classic. Thanks for bringing both of these ancient Master poets to us, for today's needs. Bravo !

Green and Barks have created a wonderful book to interest anyone who is spiritually minded. Not sure if Rumi was translated perfectly or even in accordance with Sufism--there probably was a lot lost in translation as is always the case. However, the poems appeal to one who is interested in universal truth and the book moves you to think about the Infinite--and that may be the ultimate purpose of any spiritual work. This book adds beauty in artistry (right brain) and then asks the deep and pointed questions that get you thinking (left brain). I've given away over 20 copies and everyone has enjoyed this said that they love the book. The Illuminated Rumi is in my all time TOP 10 favorites and I take it off the shelf often...and I must have over 200 books that never get opened a second time. TRULY A GEM!

Going through this book was my introduction to Rumi. And a profound one it was. Through the interwoven effect of Rumi's poetry rendered by Coleman Barks and the beautiful images by Michael Greene, I came closer to understanding the Universal meaning of The Beloved and Divine Love. This book somehow illustrated spiritually cryptic things for me: What does it mean to have compassion for The Other? What does Sacred Interconnection mean? How do we love our selves or others in that secret place where there is no ego, no fear, no illusion? Take your time with this book. Don't expect results right away. I found that I got some things from it almost immediately... And other things I had to come back to a few times in contemplation, or many times, to really appreciate. I found it amazing how Michael Green's collages of modern (colliding atomic particle paths), ancient, religious and astronomy photography, brought about inner movement and emotion within me. A great gift for yourself if you are a Seeker...and also to those of your friends who are, too, whether they know it or are about to find out. This book has led me to explore other translations of Rumi. Above all, it has helped get me to a greater appreciation of the universality of the Love of God, sans the human limitations that religion, culture, gender or language restrict the word "God" to.

I love this book. Rumi’s wisdom makes sense.

I like the packaging. it is very neat and tidy. the item is also safely secured. the waiting time is quite long but it is worth the wait. I love the book that I purchase too.

A good addition to my library. I was apprehensive to buy it at first but then I went ahead and I was not disappointed. This is something you would like to go back to from time to time. The poetry and illustrations are a perfect mix. Alone Rumi can be overwhelming but with images it gets easier. In love with this. Easily my current favourite!

Lange rätselt man schon darüber, was das bedeuten soll, was auf den ersten Blick wie eine unbekannte Schrift aussieht. Der Autor zeigt viele Wege auf, auf denen die Wissenschaftler bis heute versuchen, hinter das Geheimnis dieser Aufzeichnungen zu gelangen. Für mich noch interessanter sind aber die fast genialen Zeichnungen und Bilddarstellungen, die das Geheimnis der allumfassenden Natur zum Thema haben. Manches erinnert an die Miniaturen der Hildegard von Bingen, anderes wiederum eher an frühmittelalterliche alchemistische Vorstellungen. Spannend!

I love everthing about this book. The illustrations are sumptuous and inspiring. The poetry of Rumi translated by Coleman Barks is beautifully wrought. When I am feeling a need for inspiration, I pick up this book. It is a wonderful way to bathe in the beauty of this Sufi poet.