The Conference of the Birds

Reviews / Votes

"Attar's grand allegory for the journey of the soul as it seeks union with the divine has influenced countless artists, poets, mystics, and believers around the world. But never before has it been rendered in English with such beauty, elegance, and precision. Wolpe's translation of this epic is sure to be as timeless as the masterpiece itself." -- Reza Aslan, author of Zealot "I was struck by this accomplished translation, which moves the reader along from one stanza to the next in strong, compelling rhythms. I think what Sholeh Wolpe has done exceedingly well is to bring this medieval poem over into lively, contemporary English that feels absolutely right and not at all forced." -- Edith Grossman, author of Why Translation Matters "In Sholeh Wolpe's version, this sly, knowing Sufi classic will surprise and delight a new generation of readers." -- Jack Miles, general editor of The Norton Anthology of World Religions "As close to the original a reader can come in translation, and imbued with the same kind of revelation, it makes clear why Attar remained such a strong influence on Rumi. The reader travels, along with the poet's birds, to greater spiritual insight through transcendent verse." -- Roger Sedarat, Queens College