The Purity of Desire: 100 Poems of Rumi

The first full-length volume of Rumi's cherished verse, from bestselling poet and translator Daniel Ladinsky

Renowned for his poignant renderings of mystical texts, here Daniel Ladinsky captures the beauty, intimacy, and musicality of one of Islam's most beloved poets and spiritual thinkers. With learned insight and a delicate touch, this work explores the nuances of desire--that universal emotion--in verse inspired by Rumi's love and admiration for his companion and spiritual teacher, Shams-e Tabriz.

These poems thoughtfully capture the compelling wisdom of one of Islam's most revered artistic and religious voices and one of the most widely read poets in the English language. The Purity of Desire is an essential volume for anyone looking to feel their soul awakened.

Daniel Ladinsky’s books include A Year with Hafiz, I Heard God Laughing, The Subject Tonight Is Love, and The Gift, as well as a collection of translations of poems by twelve mystics and saints, Love Poems from God. He lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Nancy Owen Barton is a literary agent, educator, and movement therapist. She has collaborated with Ladinsky since the publication of his first Hafiz volume in 1996.