Rumi | Poet and Mystic | R. A. Nicholson

RŪMĪ: Poet and Mystic

In his extensive writings he explored the profound themes that had gradually evolved with the long succession of Sufi thinkers since the ninth century, such as the nature of truth, of beauty, and of our spiritual relationship with God. Professor R. A. Nicholson translated this inspiring collection of mystical poems shortly before his death. It contains delicately rhythmical versions of over a hundred short passages from Ramis greatest works, together with brief yet illuminating explanatory notes. With this attractive and accessible translation, a wider readership can appreciate the range and depth of Rurnis intellect and imagination, and discover why it is so often said that in Rumi the Persian mystical genius found its supreme expression. He combined exact scholarship with notable literary gifts; some of his versions of Arabic and Persian poetry entitle him to be considered a poet in his own right. His deep understanding of Islam and of the Muslim peoples was all the more remarkable in that he never travelled outside Europe

Reynold A. Nicholson