Coleman Barks (2003)

Coleman Barks was introduced to the poetry of Rumi in 1976 by Robert Bly. Since then, he has translated many of the poems of the 13th century mystic into English. Through Barks' exquisite translations, these ancient texts speak to a contemporary audience. The Essential Rumi (Harper Collins, 1995) represents the full range of the translations. Barks' newest translations are published in The Book Of Love (Harper Collins, 2003). Barks has performed the poetry of Rumi, often with musicians, all over the world. He is a poet in his own right, his most recent books being Tentmaking and Club. He is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

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