The Qur'an: A New Translation Paperback – April 1, 2004

It is by far one of the better English translations of the holy Quran. For anyone seeking to learn about Islam I would recommend the “Essential Quran” and this book. Make the intention to read it from beginning to end. It has an answer for all life situations and the scientific accuracy about embryology, astronomy, physics is astounding given this was revealed over 1,400 years ago. I find peace in reading it regularly.

For those that read 'The Essential Koran' and wished Thomas Cleary would translate the entire Qur'an, it has taken him 10 years but he has done it! The beauty and subtlety of the Arabic original shines through in this amazing book. It is extremely easy to read and understand. Although, a commentary would've completed the package, I highly recommend this translation over any other!If you'd like a basic though brilliant commentary to use in conjunction with this translation may I suggest the beautifully hardbound, 'THE MAJESTIC QUR'AN- An English Rendition of its Meanings," published by the Nawawi Foundation (CHICAGO) and its sister organization the Ibn Khaldun Foundation (LONDON). Although it has a translation, the commentary is what makes this book magnificent in its practicality. Put together in modern English for the English-speaker, it doesn't offer long-winded explanations. Instead, it has simple easy to understand commentary, particularly for those unfamiliar with the Qur'an, that is extremely valuable in helping to understand and and reflect.

There is certainly no shortage of translations/interpretations of the Qur'an from which to choose. However, Cleary has a talent for the translators craft and makes a strong case for his own rendering to be considered high on the list of those to own or at least consult regularly. The language is rendered beautifully - in comparing key passages from the Qur'an, amongst several translations, Cleary's renderings are lucid and flow gracefully in contrast to others. Unfortunately there is no index or much supplementary material, but the translation speaks for itself anyway. Doubly unfortunate is that it is not sold directly by Amazon so one has to search elsewhere for a copy. I hope Amazon will be able to offer this translation directly - it deserves to be more easily accessed, widely known and used.

A Muslim friend recommended that I buy this version of the Quran. It is far superior to the one I had earlier. It is written in a poetic format and is easy to understand and read. Although I am a Christian, not a Muslim, I wanted to know more about their Holy Book and this one is beautiful to read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to read the Quran in English.

I would just like to add something to the other comments, that is, when they say no annotations, or commentary, they mean NONE. It is the Qu'ran translated into English. No index, footnotes, table of contents, nothing. Not complaining, mind you, and not commenting on the quality of the translation. But be prepared to find additional sources for explanations and commentary.

Not a well known translator like Yusuf Ali or Pickthal.But it's a very clear translation.

I was very disappointed, have read and used the previous book "Essential Koran" I was looking forward to having the version of the whole Qur'an translated in such fluent and easy to read language. However omission of words is inexcusable as it changes the meaning.I would strongly advise against using this book as a translation of the Qura'an unless one is able to contrast it with the original Arabic. The translation is incorrect and often misleading.Let me give two examples: Chapter 23 verse 18 THE PROPHETS:"As we send down water from the sky and store it in the ground" First the verbs "Send and store" are in past tense in the original Arabic, it should read;"Sent and stored". Second; the word " BI_QADAR" بقدر was completely omitted, the verse should read: " As we sent down water in a measured amount from the sky and stored it" I also disagree with changing the last word from stored in the earth to stored in the ground.The second example Chapter 25 verse 54:" And that is the one who created human beings and made for the relations ..." the word water in the original Arabic was omitted, this verse should read:"And that is the one who created human beings (from water) and made for them relations ..."

Easy to read and understand.Great for folks that want to learn about the religion and that don't read or speak arabic