The ecstatic, spiritual poetry of thirteenth-century Persian mystic Jallaludin Rumi is more popular than ever, and The Essential Rumi continues to be far and away the most popular of all his books. This comprehensive, one-volume collection is translated by noted Rumi expert Coleman Barks, and contains more than fifty poems that have never published before. The Essential Rumi is clearly the definitive selection of Rumi’s poetry. The Essential Rumi is a part of the Essential series, beautifully packaged works edited by leading authorities that feature the core texts of major religious traditions in definitive translations. Coleman Barks is a renowned poet and the bestselling author of The Essential Rumi, The Soul of Rumi, and Rumi: The Book of Love. He was prominently featured in both of Bill Moyers’s PBS television series on poetry, “The Language of Life" and “Fooling with Words." He taught English and poetry at the University of Georgia for many years, and now focuses on writing, readings, and performances. He lives in Athens, GA. “If Rumi is the most-read poet in America today, Coleman Barks is in good part responsible. His ear for the truly divine madness in Rumi’s poetry is truly remarkable." -Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions | The Essential Rumi - reissue by Coleman Barks, Hardcover | Indigo Chapters