"For the reader of English, Cleary unlocks the Koran and opens up its power and grace." --ALAN GODLAS, Professor of Islamic Studies, Department of Religion, University of Georgia
"Thomas Cleary has crafted a stunning evocation of the
'untranslatable' verses of the holiest of the holy books in Arabic, the Noble Qur'an. His is a poet's touch, a seer's vision, a traveler's love for the journey to Truth. The Essential Koran will be essential reading for all who seek the core of Islamic spirituality." --BRUCE B. LAWRENCE, Professor of History of Religion, Duke University, and author of Defenders of God.