Coleman Bryan Barks

Coleman Bryan Barks, the celebrated American poet and translator whose lyrical interpretations brought the 13th-century Persian mystic Rumi to a vast English-speaking audience, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 88. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Barks became an influential figure in contemporary poetry, bridging ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities. His unique approach to Rumi's work, often described as "versions" rather than direct translations, resonated deeply with millions worldwide, making Rumi one of the best-selling poets in the United States.

Barks's academic journey led him to earn a Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He dedicated three decades of his career to teaching literature at the University of Georgia, where he retired as professor emeritus in 1997. It was in 1976 that a pivotal encounter with poet Robert Bly introduced him to Rumi's poetry, sparking a lifelong devotion to bringing these profound verses to new readers. Despite not speaking or reading Persian, Barks collaborated with scholars to create accessible and emotionally resonant English renditions that captured the essence of Rumi's spiritual insights.

His extensive body of work includes numerous volumes of Rumi's poetry, such as "The Essential Rumi" (1995), which became a cornerstone for many seeking spiritual and poetic inspiration. Beyond his translations, Barks was an accomplished poet in his own right, publishing several collections of original verse that explored Southern landscapes, personal experiences, and meditative themes. His contributions to literature were recognized with significant accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Tehran in 2006 and induction into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2009.

Throughout his life, Coleman Barks maintained a residence in Athens, Georgia, where he continued to write and publish, even establishing his own imprint, Maypop Books. His work transcended cultural boundaries, fostering interfaith understanding and introducing the ideas of Sufism to a broader global audience. Barks's legacy is not only in the millions of books sold but in the countless lives touched by the timeless wisdom and beauty he unveiled through his poetic voice. He is remembered for his profound impact on the literary world and his gentle, yet powerful, interpretations of universal love and spirituality.