Signs of the Unseen: The Discourses of Jalaluddin Rumi

EXCELLENT BOOK TO READ

I almost banged into a lamp post (so absorbed was I) when I first read this after buying it many years ago from a High Street in Leeds. Those who really want to gain an introduction to Rumi ought to consider this book. Rendered in very readable English, the work is a translation of Rumi's "Fihi Ma Fihi." There is always going to be a trade-off whenever attempting to translate Rumi, and one of the difficulties with this book is that the translation makes it appear as if Rumi's original "Fihi Ma Fihi" is prose. But ask any serious Farsi reader and they'll tell you the original is not "prose as we know it." There is a semi-poetic, certainly a nonlinear quality to the Farsi that isn't reproduced here. So why have I given it five stars? Firstly, people who are widely read tell me this translation does justice to the literal meanings in the text. Secondly this book introduces a side of Rumi that is not widely known amongst Western audiences, and I can't think of any translation that comes close to it for someone who wants a quick easy read. Both Arberry and Behari have translated "Fihi Ma Fihi" but in my opinion, Thackston's rendering is the most enjoyable.

An awesome read so far - the style is easy to understand for the vast majority of the parts for the `ordinary reader'.I would recommend it to readers who wish to understand the spiritual dimension of worship and establishing closeness to god. By reading this one can gain a descriptive account of the mind set of sufi's. Although I recommend it readers regardless of what your background or sect is. The book contains a serious of beautiful storytelling, in a philosophical manner, with reference to hadith, Quran and examples in history to demonstrate the importance of developing love for god within the `heart' first and foremost.In an era where distractive influences such as poor quality popular culture, consumerism penetrate the life experiences, inner thoughts, values, meanings in ways that the individual themselves does not even realise -such a book is spiritually beneficial for those who want to discover/rediscover the true purpose/meaning of life/worship etc..Indeed I hope to read other items from this great author.