approach with an open mind? - Rated 
First of all, I am not a Muslim and neither do I read Arabic, so I am not qualified to look at this translation from an academic point of view. I have also not compared this with other translations, but Abdullah Yusuf Ali appears to have a creditable rendition, however inferior to the original classic text.
The briefest surah are at the back, so this is a good place to start, before the more detailed surah such as number two [the Cow.] It is interesting to compare the koranic account of biblical events and characters. To me, much of the quran appears to be symbolic and it is a great pity that with the decline of mystical Islam [Sufism], which interpreted the Koran allegorically, a literalist fundamentalism has arisen. There is an internal inconsistency in that some passages are pro-Christian and pro-Jewish, whereas some are anti. One cannont deny that there is an unpleasant colouring to certain passages, which stem to Muhammad's disillusion when the Jewish people failed to convert en masse; contrasting with earlier in the prophet's career. From a secular point of view, we must remember that not everything attributed to God in the Quran is necessarily what Mohammed preached, but may be later interpolations by the Caliph.
I think that it is important, more than ever, to try to understand Muslims and Islam. If you approach this book with an open mind, you should be able to see that there is much in the Koran that is ambiguous, as with all religious texts, and liable to literalist interpretation, being taken out of context, etc. I don't agree with everything in it, but dismissing a core religious text out of hand does no one any favours. Whatever the exact details of Muhammad's life were, [we will probably never know,] this is a remarkable book and worth examing.
The worst book I have ever read! - Rated 
I read this book whilst working in the Middle East. It was popular out there and much hyped, so I thought I better make an effort to find out what all the fuss was about. I have never been so disappointed. A accept that it is an old book, but I still feel it ought to have some relevance and cohesion. All I could grasp from it was that the author had a dislike for all Jews and Christians and that all the readers should follow his illogical and outdated ideals. I also understand that the translation may be questionable, but even so the general idea must be the same, and its not as if they haven't had time to get it right. Quite how it has sold so many copies is beyond me. I'm not surprised that the author never went on to write anything else and am surprised he got a publisher at all. If I had to read this book more than once I would no doubt begin to loose touch with reality. It was also way to long and could have been condensed into about 50 pages, and still been to long. I found J.R.R Tolkiens book, The Lord Of The Rings to be a much more satisfying read.
Cannot Translate - Rated 
The Old Arabic of the Qur'an cannot be fully translated to any language. What can be achieved, however, is a translation of one MEANING of the Qur'an and therefore not a true translation of the Qur'an. As the average Arabic word can have several different meanings in any other language it is not accurate to say that any "translation" of the Qur'an is valid: it is not. Muslims believe that the true meaning of the Qur'an can only be achieved from the original Arabic text, and linguists also agree, anything else just gives you a vague brief. This is good for a vague brief.
Good for the cheap price - Rated
This translation of the Quran is reasonably accurate and the English is not too bad. The book however does not place the English alongside the original Arabic as is the normal custom and therefore cannot give the true feel of the Quran as it was originally written. It is however a good version of the Quran for none Muslim students of Islam as the meaning of the Quran can easily be obtained from it whilst at the same time it is cheap
This is by far the best translation. - Rated
Abdullah Yusuf Ali gives us a clear comprehensive translation of God's Word. Abdullah clearly shows to his readers that God's Word is True and Just, Compassionate and Merciful. He, Abdullah, translates Muhammad/God's message in such a way that the true meaning of The Holy Qur'an cannot be as easily twisted. I recomend this book to all seekers of The Truth. Al Hamad li Allah (Praise be to Allah).
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