From Library Journal
The authors, a husband-and-wife team who have taught in the areas of religion and philosophy for 20 years, have created a framework that seeks to define the mystic journey by dividing it into 12 areas or stages. These stages are then explored through reference to and reflection on the work of the Sufi poet Rumi (The authors can be commended for resisting the temptation to call the book Ruminations.) The excellent translations used are those of Barks, generally considered to be the foremost translator of Rumi's work. Unfortunately, the commentaries are somewhat unfocused. One of the great qualities of Rumi's poetry is its clarity, and the extra layer of exposition here often seems extraneous. Some readers will find this juxtaposition distracting, not unlike an unsatisfactory taped commentary accompanying a gallery tour, though others will no doubt find the approach fresh and the contemporary context engaging. Most libraries, however, would be better served by collecting the works of Rumi now available, especially the excellent The Essential Rumi (HarperCollins, 1997).AMark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
