Drawing on a vast array of sources, from writings of the poet himself to the latest scholarly literature, this new anniversary edition of the award-winning work examines the background, the legacy, and the continuing significance of Jalâl al-Din Rumi, today’s bestselling poet in the United States. With new translations of over fifty of Rumi’s poems and including never before seen prose, this landmark study celebrates the astounding appeal of Rumi, still as strong as ever, 800 years after his birth.

Franklin D. Lewis is Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature at the University of Chicago.

“Excellent. A comprehensive overview of the Sufi poet-philosopher and his influence. Highly recommended for all collections.”
Library Journal

“This book is a major contribution to the study of the great Sufi poet, and it should be on the bookshelf of anyone drawn to Rumi.”
New York Review of Books