Coleman Barks

Coleman Barks is a renowned American poet and translator celebrated for his work on the English translations of Rumi's poetry. Born in 1937 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Barks obtained his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and taught literature and creative writing at the University of Georgia for over three decades. His powerful renderings of Rumi have popularized the 13th-century mystic poet's works across the English-speaking world, making them accessible and beloved. An accomplished poet in his own right, Barks has published numerous collections and has been a significant voice in contemporary poetry, admired for bridging cultural and spiritual divides.