Julia Donaldson CBE - Author Photo

Rumi & Maryam Mafi

Rumi was a distinguished 13th-century Persian Muslim poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic, celebrated for his profound and timeless poetry. His works continue to inspire and resonate with readers across the world. Maryam Mafi, born and raised in Iran, embarked on her educational journey in the United States, where she pursued studies in Sociology and Literature at Tufts University in 1977. Her passion for Persian literature led her to a path of translation while she was earning her Master's degree in International Communications at American and Georgetown Universities. She has since been dedicated to translating Persian literary works, particularly those of Rumi. Through her translation efforts, Maryam Mafi has discovered a profound reconnection with her own language and a newfound appreciation for her spiritual heritage.