Open Secret: Versions of Rumi [Paperback]

John Moyne (Author), Coleman Barks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1983

Jelaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) is considered by most to be the greatest of the Sufi mystical poets and one of the most highly regarded saints from any tradition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Felicitous new translations of Rumi, the witty and mystical Villon-like poet... These reflections on love, the dance of selves, happiness, acceptance of life's sorrows, and the transitory nature of joy are touchingly sensitive in their search for philosophical peace of mind."— Library Journal. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English, Persian (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 98 pages
• Publisher: Threshold Books (December 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939660067
• ISBN-13: 978-0939660063
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,525,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent Rumi - version by Barks, August 19, 2000

By 

M. J. Smith (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Open Secret: Versions of Rumi (Paperback)

Unlike many of his translations of Rumi, Open Secrets credits the Persian scholar, John Moyne, as a co-author. The notes credit A. J. Arberry and R. A. Nicholson as well. Coleman Barks forms the translations in English poetry. This collection is of quatrains and odes.

In this collection fewer of the poems use specifically Sufi imagery than in some collections; e.g. "Late, by myself, in the boat of myself" could as easily be Buddhist or Hindu; this makes the poetry more obviously universal than some collections. There are, of course, the more specifically Sufi tavern/wine images, e.g. "They say that Paradise will be prefect / with losts of clear white wine and all the beautiful women".

These translations are meant for, and work best for, the individual reading for the spiritual content of Rumi rather than the scholar interested in Persian poetry.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must in all collections & a beatiful introduction to Rumi., July 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Open Secret: Versions of Rumi (Paperback)

The open secret, available to all but few listen. That is the feeling you get when you let these wonderful writings flow over and through you.

Some short, some longer, each writing is a treasure. The more you read (or listen if you've been fortunate to get the audio condensed version from this work) the deeper each verse becomes. I've owned the printed copy for years and every read brings new wonders and old friends.

The cream of Rumi is brought to this work and Coleman Barks does wonderful interpretations. The work as a whole weaves a tapestry that, in the end, leaves you feeling part weaver and part thread. The possibility of the "Beloved" as "Lover" becomes manifest. The drunk, intoxicated by the bliss of the presence of God, overflows with sacred wine and wants to dance. The sharing of a deep spiritual presence at dawn with those nearest you becomes a yearning that you want each and every day.

This book is a cornerstone in the rediscovery of Rumi and Islam for that matter. It provides a glimpse, from the lovers' point of view, into a world traditionally dominated by the warrior spirit.

After reading you yearn for the association of others who have similar thoughts. You realize that "the pot drips what's in it" and you yearn to associate with gentle people who enjoy this book as much as you.

Certainly "Open Secret" is a must read and a must own. It is every bit worth the price and a classic in the genre.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Personally, my favorite translations of the great poet..., March 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Open Secret: Versions of Rumi (Paperback)

I have read many, many translations of Rumi. So far, this is my favorite. John Moyne does a tremendous job of conveying the blazing passion that fills Rumi's work. This is my favorite single-author book of poetry, bar none.