About the Author

Coleman Barks is a renowned poet and the bestselling author of The Essential Rumi, Rumi: The Big Red Book, The Soul of Rumi, Rumi: The Book of Love, and The Drowned Book. He was prominently featured in both of Bill Moyers' PBS television series on poetry, The Language of Life and Fooling with Words. He taught English and poetry at the University of Georgia for thirty years, and he now focuses on writing, readings, and performances.

Reviews

"If Rumi is the most-read poet in America today, ColemanBarks is in good part responsible. His ear for the truly divinemadness in Rumi's poetry is truly remarkable." -- Huston Smith, author of "The World's Religions""In this.delightful treasury, Barks sparklingly demonstratesonce again why his free-form interpretations of [Rumi's] poetryhave been a major impetus for the current Rumi vogue."-- "Publishers Weekly""Perhaps the world's greatest spiritual poet--the gold of Rumipours down through Coleman's words. The words leap off thepage and dance!" -- Jack Kornfield, author of "A Path with Heart"""The Essential Rumi" is a rare and precious book that will stir the hearts of Rumi devotees and win many new converts."-- "Body Mind Spirit"