Love Poems From God (138939)

Description

Sacred poetry from twelve mystics and saints, rendered brilliantly by Daniel Ladinsky, beloved interpreter of verses by the fourteenth-century Persian poet Hafiz
One of 6 Books Oprah Loves to Give as Gifts During the Holidays
“All kinds of beautiful poetry.” –Hoda Kotb

In this luminous collection, Daniel Ladinsky—best known for his bestselling interpretations of the great Sufi poet Hafiz—brings together the timeless work of twelve of the world’s finest spiritual writers, six from the East and six from the West. Once again, Ladinsky reveals his talent for creating profound and playful renditions of classic poems for a modern audience.

Rumi’s joyous, ecstatic love poems; St. Francis’s loving observations of nature through the eyes of Catholicism; Kabir’s wild, freeing humor that synthesizes Hindu, Muslim, and Christian beliefs; St. Teresa’s sensual verse; and the mystical, healing words of Sufi poet Hafiz—these along with inspiring works by Rabia, Meister Eckhart, St. Thomas Aquinas, Mira, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Tukaram are all “love poems by God” from writers considered “conduits of the divine.” Together, they form a spiritual treasure to cherish always.

Staff review – Liz

A selection of poetry from 12 great spiritual poets – 6 from the east and 6 from the west. Each saint or spiritual great have recorded experiences of transcendent union with God, and therefore their works are thought to have come from God himself. Each section is dedicated to a poet, with a brief biography for context, ahead of a sampling of their writings.

At first this book may seem disproportionately expensive, but when you consider the 8 translators consulted for the array of languages this collection covers, not to mention the dedication and hard work that went into compiling, it is a justifiable expense. Love Poems from God is beautiful beyond words, or rather, beautiful because of words; this collection of over 300 poems, truly is a labour of love.