Selected Poems from the Divan-E Shams-E Tabriz: With the Original Persian on the Facing Page

The below review says it all realy. James Cowan writes with a real love of the subject and brings to life the emotions, the landscape the events behind the meeting of Rumi and Shems. Unlike others he does not hide the fact that this is a rewrite fo earlier translations and it is perhaps his humility that realy makes this book special. If you want to read the works of Rumi it might be worth starting here (the works of Professor Schimmel will also be of help)

I found this slim little volume years ago and was so moved by it that I felt compelled to write to the publisher and to the translator. Dr. Ergin, an American surgeon, is also Turkish Sufi, his religion is the center of his life. I admire him greatly and believe that his translation of Rumi is the most accurate and authentic. He fully understands and experiences the spirit of Rumi and makes the ancient verses come alive in the most direct, unadorned way. I hope you treasure this book as I do.

I love the poetry of Rumi. This book, to me, is the absolute best collection of them all! The introduction, by James Cowan, includes the best essay I have ever read on Rumi's experience with Shems, and really speaks to the greater subject of human friendship itself. I swear! Read the first 30 pages and you will be sold on this book by the introduction alone! This book is a nicely bound hardback, and is one of my favorite gifts to give to close friends and those who enjoy Rumi's work. You do not have to believe in mysticism or belong to any religious creed to enjoy the simple beauty of Rumi's work.

Rumi's words will truly speak to your soul - The poems reach deep into your heart and illuminate the answers to the burning questions we all ask of ourselves.