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The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition

Description:

This revised and expanded edition of The Essential Rumi includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks and more than 80 never-before-published poems of Rumi.

Through his lyrical translations, Coleman Barks has been instrumental in bringing this exquisite literature to a remarkably wide range of readers, making the ecstatic, spiritual poetry of thirteenth-century Sufi Mystic Rumi more popular than ever. The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this...delightful treasury, Barks sparklingly demonstrates once again why his free-form interpertations of [Rumi’s] poetry...have been a major impetus for the current Rumi vogue.” - Publishers Weekly
“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
“The 13th-century Persian mystic’s words continue to resonate, particularly in this translation, which offers a remarkably contemporary voice.” -
Oprah.com

From the Back Cover

The best-selling Rumi book ever is now better than ever! This revised and expanded edition of the comprehensive one-volume edition of America′s most popular poet includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks, and 57 new poems never published before.

The ecstatic, spiritual poetry of Rumi is more popular than ever, and The Essential Rumi continues to be far and away the top-selling title of all Rumi books. With the addition of many new poems and a new introduction, The Essential Rumi is now clearly the definitive, and most delightful selection of Rumi′s poetry.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi- your job is not to seek love

C.T.B. · February 1, 2026

While travelling, id read this in the morning with a got cup of tea every day. Super inspirational, heart opening, eye opening and though provoking. His words are beauty and power get drunk on expressions of a beautiful soul. Great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi is incredible

I.G.C. · May 21, 2025

Reading The Essential Rumi is like sitting beside a warm fire with a wise, joyful friend who whispers truths you didn't know you were ready to hear. Coleman Barks’ translation doesn’t just preserve Rumi’s brilliance—it breathes life into it.This expanded edition feels like discovering a hidden room in a beloved home. With more than 80 new poems, each page invites quiet reflection or sudden, unexpected joy. Rumi's words dance between the earthly and the divine, somehow grounding you while also pulling you toward something higher.What I love most is that these poems don’t require academic analysis—they speak straight to the heart. Whether you're heartbroken, curious, or just trying to slow down in a noisy world, Rumi offers something timeless and deeply human.Not just a book of poetry—it’s a companion for the spirit.

5.0 out of 5 stars Some Meditate, Some Read Devotionals, I read Barks's Rumi

L. · June 5, 2016

Some people meditate. Some people read biblical devotionals. Some people attend services from wise leaders of whatever faith, spirituality, or life's approach they hold. I read Rumi. Raised conservative Christian, later much more liberal Christian, considered both atheism and agnosticism, rejector of touchy-feely "spirituality" that teaches me no more than a good bumper sticker or a good episode of Oprah, ravenous reader about other traditions--Rumi fills my needs without compromising anything I hold dear or forcing anything I find empty. Reading Rumi brings me peace, understanding, clarity, goals both concrete and ideal, causes me to think deeply about the nature of wisdom, the spirit, the relationship of the human to the divine and humans to one another.Add to this fondness of Rumi the fact that this edition is translated and curated by Coleman Barks, one of the pre-eminent Rumi translators and scholars and one of the only whose background is related to poetry and textural analysis along with languages and historical contextualizing (full disclosure: I know Barks professionally and have admired his work in other areas as well as this one, but I do not know him well enough to make me predisposed to this text over another, at least not that I am consciously aware of). I am neither a language expert nor a Rumi expert, but from other translations I have read, this edition of Barks reflects that scholarly excellent but adds also the ability to retain the poetry and subjective wisdom of Rumi without a slavish adherence to word-for-word translation. I often open this text as I eat breakfast, a pencil in one hand and a cup of coffee or bagel in the other.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi the best poet ever

r. · March 22, 2025

One of the best books I have ever read. Although I read it in the original language, Persian, this translation is good too. The quality of the book was fine. The only complaint I have is about the packaging. I bought two books that were stuck together, and when I separated them, the cover of the book got torn.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good follow-on book

D.D. · June 8, 2024

The stories are well written and insightful. Rumi's point of view is unique and inspiring.But beware, he does not explain the points he is making, it is up to the reader to figure it out. Which is valuable when it works. But, that means it is important to have basic knowledge of spirituality before reading this book. Otherwise, most of it will not make sense.I suggest reading a book like "Light on Life" by B.K.S. Iyengar or "The Art of Living" by Thich Nhat Hanh (or something similar) before attempting Rumi's work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Mystical Poetry

I.M. · March 11, 2014

As one involved in meditation as a path to enlightenment and quite well read in the subject I greatly enjoyed thisvolume of Rumi's poetry. As poetry on its own it stands head and shoulders above most poetry written in the English language. That is saying a lot as English has produced some magnificent works both historically andcontemporarily. Rumi can easily be compared to Shakespeare in quality although their subject matter was quite different. Shakespeare of course dealt with egoic human nature while Rumi is more concerned with the mystical Spirit of all things. For the uninitiated some of the symbolism may take a while to understand but I think anyone who is considering this volume would be acquainted with such symbols as a door or a window or even the capital "K" King, or Friend as compared to friend. Although Rumi is 13th century Muslim many of his references are to the transcendent figures of Christianity. Many Christians may never have thought of the symbolic relationship of Jesus and his donkey but Rumi explains it very succinctly. Christianity of course has its own areas of mystical thought but for the most part have been banned by the Church as heretical simply because they erase the necessity of intermediaries between man and God, ie. the power structure of the priesthood. Look to the Gnostic Writings of the early church to see how similar they are to mystical thinking universally. Some of the words uttered by Jesusin the Gnostic Gospels might seem quite incomprehensible to our modern, indoctrinated minds. Of course in mystical thought, of which Rumi is a paramount figure, man's approach to God is direct. "The Kingdom of Heaven is Within" and " To know one's Self is to know God " are but two basic examples.Over and above the mystical thinking exemplified in this volume, it is highly erotic and at times, perhaps mainly to the Western mind, down right hilarious. Imagine a cook's responses to the objections of the chickpea in being boiled in water. The cook's responses turn out to be quite reasonable in themselves, not to mention the spiritual understanding involved.It is no wonder that Rumi is the most read poet in America today (by children of the '60's?) and it is said that Coleman Bark's translations are much of the reason. I can not comment on that as I have only begun to read the work of other translators and am yet unable to intelligently compare and contrast but I will say that the translations of Coleman Bark have enabled a deep chord to be struck within me by this writer and poet in 13th century Farsi.I would highly recommend this volume to anyone exploring the Spiritual, as I would also recommend this volume to anyone who either loves poetry itself or thinks of poetry only as something to be taken or left. If you are one of the latter it may introduce you to a whole new view of literary expression. As with most all poetry it does demand time of contemplation to fully grasp its beauty and meaning. Rumi will always occupy of place of importance in my library, non-fiction of course.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely. Rumi is masterful

J.H. · October 23, 2025

The translation is very well done, that some of these poems can move one to tears speaks to that.Rumi is of course transcendent.

5.0 out of 5 stars Coleman Barks is my go to for Rumi

S. · November 30, 2025

Coleman Barks is my go to for Rumi

Everything as expected, thank you!

G.O. · September 16, 2025

Everything as expected, thank you!Everything as expected, thank you!

Great book. Delivered on time

P.S. · February 7, 2026

Excellent

Awesome!

V. · September 22, 2024

Enjoy reading the poems. Great stuff.

Beautiful

A.P. · April 4, 2023

Love this poetry, no complaints

Brilliant reading

X. · January 21, 2026

Brilliant philosophical reading

The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition

Product ID: U0062509594
Condition: New

4.7

(4,453 ratings)

AED7911

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Similar items from “Medieval”

The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition

Product ID: U0062509594
Condition: New

4.7

(4,453 ratings)
The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition-0
Type: Paperback

AED7911

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

This revised and expanded edition of The Essential Rumi includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks and more than 80 never-before-published poems of Rumi.

Through his lyrical translations, Coleman Barks has been instrumental in bringing this exquisite literature to a remarkably wide range of readers, making the ecstatic, spiritual poetry of thirteenth-century Sufi Mystic Rumi more popular than ever. The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this...delightful treasury, Barks sparklingly demonstrates once again why his free-form interpertations of [Rumi’s] poetry...have been a major impetus for the current Rumi vogue.” - Publishers Weekly
“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
“The 13th-century Persian mystic’s words continue to resonate, particularly in this translation, which offers a remarkably contemporary voice.” -
Oprah.com

From the Back Cover

The best-selling Rumi book ever is now better than ever! This revised and expanded edition of the comprehensive one-volume edition of America′s most popular poet includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks, and 57 new poems never published before.

The ecstatic, spiritual poetry of Rumi is more popular than ever, and The Essential Rumi continues to be far and away the top-selling title of all Rumi books. With the addition of many new poems and a new introduction, The Essential Rumi is now clearly the definitive, and most delightful selection of Rumi′s poetry.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi- your job is not to seek love

C.T.B. · February 1, 2026

While travelling, id read this in the morning with a got cup of tea every day. Super inspirational, heart opening, eye opening and though provoking. His words are beauty and power get drunk on expressions of a beautiful soul. Great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi is incredible

I.G.C. · May 21, 2025

Reading The Essential Rumi is like sitting beside a warm fire with a wise, joyful friend who whispers truths you didn't know you were ready to hear. Coleman Barks’ translation doesn’t just preserve Rumi’s brilliance—it breathes life into it.This expanded edition feels like discovering a hidden room in a beloved home. With more than 80 new poems, each page invites quiet reflection or sudden, unexpected joy. Rumi's words dance between the earthly and the divine, somehow grounding you while also pulling you toward something higher.What I love most is that these poems don’t require academic analysis—they speak straight to the heart. Whether you're heartbroken, curious, or just trying to slow down in a noisy world, Rumi offers something timeless and deeply human.Not just a book of poetry—it’s a companion for the spirit.

5.0 out of 5 stars Some Meditate, Some Read Devotionals, I read Barks's Rumi

L. · June 5, 2016

Some people meditate. Some people read biblical devotionals. Some people attend services from wise leaders of whatever faith, spirituality, or life's approach they hold. I read Rumi. Raised conservative Christian, later much more liberal Christian, considered both atheism and agnosticism, rejector of touchy-feely "spirituality" that teaches me no more than a good bumper sticker or a good episode of Oprah, ravenous reader about other traditions--Rumi fills my needs without compromising anything I hold dear or forcing anything I find empty. Reading Rumi brings me peace, understanding, clarity, goals both concrete and ideal, causes me to think deeply about the nature of wisdom, the spirit, the relationship of the human to the divine and humans to one another.Add to this fondness of Rumi the fact that this edition is translated and curated by Coleman Barks, one of the pre-eminent Rumi translators and scholars and one of the only whose background is related to poetry and textural analysis along with languages and historical contextualizing (full disclosure: I know Barks professionally and have admired his work in other areas as well as this one, but I do not know him well enough to make me predisposed to this text over another, at least not that I am consciously aware of). I am neither a language expert nor a Rumi expert, but from other translations I have read, this edition of Barks reflects that scholarly excellent but adds also the ability to retain the poetry and subjective wisdom of Rumi without a slavish adherence to word-for-word translation. I often open this text as I eat breakfast, a pencil in one hand and a cup of coffee or bagel in the other.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumi the best poet ever

r. · March 22, 2025

One of the best books I have ever read. Although I read it in the original language, Persian, this translation is good too. The quality of the book was fine. The only complaint I have is about the packaging. I bought two books that were stuck together, and when I separated them, the cover of the book got torn.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good follow-on book

D.D. · June 8, 2024

The stories are well written and insightful. Rumi's point of view is unique and inspiring.But beware, he does not explain the points he is making, it is up to the reader to figure it out. Which is valuable when it works. But, that means it is important to have basic knowledge of spirituality before reading this book. Otherwise, most of it will not make sense.I suggest reading a book like "Light on Life" by B.K.S. Iyengar or "The Art of Living" by Thich Nhat Hanh (or something similar) before attempting Rumi's work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Mystical Poetry

I.M. · March 11, 2014

As one involved in meditation as a path to enlightenment and quite well read in the subject I greatly enjoyed thisvolume of Rumi's poetry. As poetry on its own it stands head and shoulders above most poetry written in the English language. That is saying a lot as English has produced some magnificent works both historically andcontemporarily. Rumi can easily be compared to Shakespeare in quality although their subject matter was quite different. Shakespeare of course dealt with egoic human nature while Rumi is more concerned with the mystical Spirit of all things. For the uninitiated some of the symbolism may take a while to understand but I think anyone who is considering this volume would be acquainted with such symbols as a door or a window or even the capital "K" King, or Friend as compared to friend. Although Rumi is 13th century Muslim many of his references are to the transcendent figures of Christianity. Many Christians may never have thought of the symbolic relationship of Jesus and his donkey but Rumi explains it very succinctly. Christianity of course has its own areas of mystical thought but for the most part have been banned by the Church as heretical simply because they erase the necessity of intermediaries between man and God, ie. the power structure of the priesthood. Look to the Gnostic Writings of the early church to see how similar they are to mystical thinking universally. Some of the words uttered by Jesusin the Gnostic Gospels might seem quite incomprehensible to our modern, indoctrinated minds. Of course in mystical thought, of which Rumi is a paramount figure, man's approach to God is direct. "The Kingdom of Heaven is Within" and " To know one's Self is to know God " are but two basic examples.Over and above the mystical thinking exemplified in this volume, it is highly erotic and at times, perhaps mainly to the Western mind, down right hilarious. Imagine a cook's responses to the objections of the chickpea in being boiled in water. The cook's responses turn out to be quite reasonable in themselves, not to mention the spiritual understanding involved.It is no wonder that Rumi is the most read poet in America today (by children of the '60's?) and it is said that Coleman Bark's translations are much of the reason. I can not comment on that as I have only begun to read the work of other translators and am yet unable to intelligently compare and contrast but I will say that the translations of Coleman Bark have enabled a deep chord to be struck within me by this writer and poet in 13th century Farsi.I would highly recommend this volume to anyone exploring the Spiritual, as I would also recommend this volume to anyone who either loves poetry itself or thinks of poetry only as something to be taken or left. If you are one of the latter it may introduce you to a whole new view of literary expression. As with most all poetry it does demand time of contemplation to fully grasp its beauty and meaning. Rumi will always occupy of place of importance in my library, non-fiction of course.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely. Rumi is masterful

J.H. · October 23, 2025

The translation is very well done, that some of these poems can move one to tears speaks to that.Rumi is of course transcendent.

5.0 out of 5 stars Coleman Barks is my go to for Rumi

S. · November 30, 2025

Coleman Barks is my go to for Rumi

Everything as expected, thank you!

G.O. · September 16, 2025

Everything as expected, thank you!Everything as expected, thank you!

Great book. Delivered on time

P.S. · February 7, 2026

Excellent

Awesome!

V. · September 22, 2024

Enjoy reading the poems. Great stuff.

Beautiful

A.P. · April 4, 2023

Love this poetry, no complaints

Brilliant reading

X. · January 21, 2026

Brilliant philosophical reading

More from this brand

Similar items from “Medieval”