Commemorating the 800th Birthday of Rumi, one of the greatest mystic, philosopher and poet of all time here is a selection of best acknowledged books on Rumi - of not only poetry but also about journey with his mystical sufi master, Shams a Tabriz. For those who wish to understand Rumi better, reading about Shams a Tabriz is essential because its under him Rumi became Rumi.
RUMI: The Pocket Reader by Kabir Helminski - the Shaikh of the Mevlevi Order- contains handpicked gems of Rumi’s love and wisdom in poetry and prose, and will easily fit into the smallest pocket book. Flip through it gently and it will faithfully open itself out to a page that has the right lesson for you for that moment, no matter where you are.
The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks and John Moyne is a medium sized, excellent collection of poems carefully selected and translated. This book is great for anyone who wants to begin to understand the length and breadth of Rumi’s poetry – how he has covered all aspects of life – in his profound poetry. It’s also a great introduction to Coleman Barks’ original way of translating Rumi.
Hidden Music by Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin is a hard bound medium sized book exquisite in art and text- every page has a work of art and a corresponding poem in Persian script, with the accompanying translation. It covers the very delicate themes of love, surrender, grace, and beauty, so unique to Rumi.

The Way of Love by Nigel Watts is a brilliant attempt at presenting the awe inspiring story of Rumi and Shams, and the multi dimensional student-teacher relationship. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the spiritual journey of Rumi, and gain inspiration from none other than the master of love and mysticism.
The Illuminated Rumi by Micheal Green and Coleman Barks is an exquisite coffee table book that marries the art by Michael Green with the poetry of Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks, and takes us beyond our limited imagination, into a realm of wonder and awe.
Me & Rumi: The Autobiography of Shams-I Tabrizi translated by William Chittick is the story of the wild man called Shams who is responsible for the transformation of Rumi and therefore, for all the volumes of letters, stories, table talks, and poetry that have come forth and presented themselves to millions of seekers across the world. Like Shams, this book is intense and often difficult to understand through just mere intellect.
:: Thanks to my dear dear friend (who wishes to be anonymous) for helping with this compilation. May she always remain under the loving glance of Beloved.




The Way of Love by Nigel Watts is a brilliant attempt at presenting the awe inspiring story of Rumi and Shams, and the multi dimensional student-teacher relationship. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the spiritual journey of Rumi, and gain inspiration from none other than the master of love and mysticism.


:: Thanks to my dear dear friend (who wishes to be anonymous) for helping with this compilation. May she always remain under the loving glance of Beloved.
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