Gold (New York Review Books Classics)

I am a native Iranian, I grew up in Iran, and studied Persian poetry, including that of Rumi from middle school all the way to college as part of my education. But it wasn't until later in life that I began to feel a deep connection to the mysticism of this tradition, and began to discover the deeper layers and profound and priceless treasures that this poetry carries for humanity. Although I have read many other translations of Rumi, I always felt they fall short of touching the essence of the golden thread that is throughout Rumi's poetry until I read this incredible and priceless collection of translations. This book is a timeless gift and will continue to reveal it's treasures as you become more and more acquainted with them. I would highly recommend this to all those seeking to be intoxicated by the divine wine of love from any nation or tradition.

I have long loved Rumi's poetry, and I thought I knew Rumi well. But until I met him through Haleh Liza Gafori’s gorgeous and insightful translations, I had never experienced the feeling that Rumi was sitting right beside me as I read, whispering the words to me. In her translations, I feel an intimate and powerful connection to Rumi himself, the human being, as much as to Rumi, the legendary figure. Gafori summons his presence as if she is channeling him not just translating. Even if you have a collection of Rumi poetry already, you will be missing something transcendent if you don't also have this book.

This slim volume distills the essence of Rumi and brings his wisdom alive for English readers in a totally new way. Gafori is an American of Persian descent and a native Farsi speaker who grew up hearing Rumi’s poetry and participating in discussions of its meanings. Translating directly from the Farsi has given her insights and freedoms that previous English translations lacked. Much care has been given to how to make Rumi’s words better resonate for today’s readers. Occasionally her choices stop you in your tracks - in a good way - such as the startling use of the modern word “rookie” in the line “It’s the rookies who laugh only when they win.” Gafori’s additional gifts as an editor have pared Rumi down to the bare essentials, truly giving us only the gold in an extremely thoughtful selection of 54 poems. I dip into this volume every day and every day I find something new and inspiring.

I have poured through these pages, drinking from this vessel over and over. Such profound beauty in these translations. Gafori pulls us into the whirling dance of Rumi's spiritual practice with her bold new translations of these ancient treasures. She weaves a story of deep spiritual connection and intoxication, adding her voice to allow us to hear the poet speaking to his soul, to his mentor, and to the divine. Grateful for this work and looking forward to the next volume.

I wanted to like this collection more than I did. I suspect Colman Barks translations of Rumi are more Barks than Rumi, and that this new one is more authentic. But I didn't find anything here that touched my heart.

Love this collection sO very much. Have met her. Love Rumi. But, its the combination of of this that is the magic here. Haleh’s knowledge and personal connection with these, her chosen collection of Rumi poems, along with her translation is the most beautiful collection of Rumi appreciation I’ve ever come across and I can’t wait to read/hear her second volume! Dive in to these waters and drink the wine beautiful people. Blessings.

If you like or love Rumi, you will love this translation. Absolutely exquisite. I bought it for myself and then promptly gave it to a friend who also loves Rumi so I’m ordering another one.

If that camel you are on is heading in a direction you don't want to go, dismount it for a while and contemplate the miraculous death someday, of your ... really holy physical body. Then what might a corroding barb in you do, but to begin to turn into gold -- and lift your face closer to the Sun*, where mine now lives, and is waiting for you. --Rumi *the Sun: God The above is some 'Rumi verse' my teacher once recited to me, that he said had become lost. And he added, "The body is a camel the mind rides." "Treat the camel well." And the gold, the gold. O yes the Gold! Thanks, thanks, Haleh ... for getting more to the market to help feed the world. This crazy, though still so knock-out beautiful planet sooooo needs it ... 'Rain from the heart of God.' Daniel Ladinsky International bestselling Penguin Random House Author

I have been studying Rumi for 40 years and your divine translations really make my heart sing. I also deeply appreciate the non-gendered language. All the other translations that I teach from require me to edit the male pronoun language which I’m quite happy to do because of my love for Rumi. Your translations are immediately accessible and allow freedom for the reader to expand into the Universal. Your ‘Gold’ reveals your mystical depth, as well as your deep understanding of Rumi’s vast and illuminating teachings. I’m in heaven and I can’t put your book down. As I read each poem out loud to myself over and over, more and more depth and Mystery is revealed. My gratitude to you is immense. Thank you. We are recommending Gold to all our friends on this path of Love.

This was a very very! good translation. My first time reading Rumi was a very moving experience, so glad to have stumbled upon the recommendation and to have the chance to read this beautiful open heart and expression of love.

The thing is i understand that translations are always tricky but for those planning to buy, keep in mind that there are like 6-7 sentences per page and you have to really really interpret for yourself. So to me I now feel reading Rumi like this does not help. Sometimes the poem does not flow but i believe the authors intention is to capture the right words to impress upon the audience.

mooie gedichten

Beautiful mental imagery and beautiful translations. This collection is 100% love poems, no other topics by the great poet, just love, and as long as you know that before you buy you will be happy with the book.