The Mesnevi
The Mesnevi of Jalal al-Din Rumi, the thirteenth-century Persian poet and mystic, is one of the central works of Sufi literature, a vast poem of stories, parables and teachings on the soul's longing for God. This English version of its first book was translated by Sir James W. Redhouse, who rendered the poetry in verse, and published in London in 1881. Redhouse adds an account of the life and acts of Rumi, his ancestors and descendants, with anecdotes collected by the Mevlevi historian Aflaki. Among the tales of the first book are the prince and the handmaid, the lion and the beasts, the merchant and the parrot, the harper, and the contest between the Chinese and Roman artists. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Mesnevi
The Mesnevi by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Mesnevi online?
Yes. The Mesnevi opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Mesnevi free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Mesnevi is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Mesnevi in the public domain?
Yes. The Mesnevi by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Sir James W. Redhouse. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Mesnevi?
About 8 h 30 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Mesnevi?
The Mesnevi by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi is filed under "Essays & Letters" in the Vinteuil library.
