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The Prophet (A Borzoi Book) Hardcover – September 23, 1923
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Gibran’s musings are divided into twenty-eight chapters covering such sprawling topics as love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, housing, clothes, buying and selling, crime and punishment, laws, freedom, reason and passion, pain, self-knowledge, teaching, friendship, talking, time, good and evil, prayer, pleasure, beauty, religion, and death.
Each essay reveals deep insights into the impulses of the human heart and mind. The Chicago Post said of The Prophet: “Cadenced and vibrant with feeling, the words of Kahlil Gibran bring to one’s ears the majestic rhythm of Ecclesiastes . . . If there is a man or woman who can read this book without a quiet acceptance of a great man’s philosophy and a singing in the heart as of music born within, that man or woman is indeed dead to life and truth.”
With twelve full-page drawings by Gibran, this beautiful work makes an incredible gift for anyone seeking enlightenment and inspiration.
- Print length96 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherKnopf
- Publication dateSeptember 23, 1923
- Dimensions5.74 x 0.58 x 8.54 inches
- ISBN-109780394404288
- ISBN-13978-0394404288
- Lexile measure990L
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"Cadenced and vibrant with feeling, the words of Kahlil Gibran bring to one's ears the majestic rhythm of Ecclesiastes... If there is a man or woman who can read this book without a quiet acceptance of a great man's philosophy and a singing in the heart as of music born within, that man or woman is indeed dead to life and truth." --Chicago Post
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From the Back Cover
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.
And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.
But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
• • •
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.”
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
Product details
- ASIN : 0394404289
- Publisher : Knopf (September 23, 1923)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 96 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780394404288
- ISBN-13 : 978-0394404288
- Lexile measure : 990L
- Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.74 x 0.58 x 8.54 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #7,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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A classic in philosophical literature!
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About the authors
Kahlil Gibran: full Arabic name Gibran Khalil Gibran, (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931) was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer of the New York Pen League.
Kahlil Gibran was born in the town of Bsharri in the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate, Ottoman Empire (north of modern-day Lebanon), to Khalil Gibran and Kamila Gibran(Rahmeh). As a young man Kahlil emigrated with his family to the United States, where he studied art and began his literary career, writing in English and Arabic. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture. Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Laozi.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by unknown [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
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Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring. They appreciate the poetic writing style that is simple to read and understand. Many consider it a great gift for poets and artists. The book offers good value for money, with an impressive quality for the price. Readers describe it as timeless and a true gem to be passed down until the end of time.
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Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring. They say it covers all aspects of life with poetic statements that are powerful in their spiritual depth. The book helps them understand life better and is a guiding influence on how they live their lives. Readers appreciate the timeless wisdom and the wonderful sense it makes of relationships.
"...It started me thinking outside of the box. I always give one to a family member graduating from high school to try to open their minds." Read more
"...The book had the desired effect. I opened it that afternoon and did not put it down until I had read every last page in one sitting...." Read more
"...Page for page, there's more wisdom here than any other text I've ever read." Read more
"...Not usually my kind of book, but it hits you right in the heart and mind. I just bought this for my gf for our anniversary...." Read more
Customers find the writing style simple and inspiring. They describe it as a spiritual prose full of deep insights and inspiration. The book is described as timeless literature that enhances lives.
"...It is also textural. The Prophet is poetic and it inspires a sense of inner peace and harmony just by reading the words written on its pages;..." Read more
"...It is a spiritual prose, full of deep insight and inspiration for one and all. Some qoutes that I particularly like:..." Read more
"...His answers come in precisely crafted poetry that is deceptively simple, stunningly beautiful and potent in their spiritual depth...." Read more
"...There is a kind of poetry in the words, but not the kind that is difficult to understand. The insights were both familiar and refreshing...." Read more
Customers find the book a great gift. They say it's a gift of love to others, perfect for poets and artists, and a treasure to be passed down until the end of time.
"...It really does make a simple but valuable gift for occasions such as weddings or for others you love...." Read more
"...the price I could pay, in the condition I could use for the perfect gift for my husband. Thank You!" Read more
"This is my favorite gift for graduating seniors...." Read more
"...I love the short, poetic sprints of wisdom. It makes a wonderful gift for those who like to think but don't want to spend a lot of time reading." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it has an expensive appearance and good quality for the price. Some say it's worth the cost and the best King's Grammar book out there.
"...booksellers are charging nowadays for a copy of The Prophet, it is worth it. Michael E. Burgess" Read more
"...The paper is heavy and softly feathered, giving it an expensive appearance appropriate to the value of the writing within...." Read more
"...this one was worth it. it opened my eyes to a way of thinking and expression i just wasnt aware of at the time...." Read more
"Shipped quickly, received in excellent condition. Impressive quality for the price. Will purchase from this seller agin...." Read more
Customers find the book timeless and relevant. They say it's a classic, written in 1939 and still relevant today.
"Old book with a lot of wisdom bought for a daughter, but she wanted our original copy which was bought many many years ago." Read more
"A classic that should be read by every High School student. When it is read with mindfulness, one looks at life differently after the last page...." Read more
"This is a book for all time: beautifully written and filled with spiritual wisdom that applies to people of all faiths and those with good will...." Read more
"Kinda old, the book. But for the price, I won't argue. Why do I have to add 9 more words." Read more
Customers find the poetry simple and accessible. They appreciate the simple answers to big questions and the clarity of Gibran's writing. The book is a classic that is easy to read on the Paperwhite.
"...His answers come in precisely crafted poetry that is deceptively simple, stunningly beautiful and potent in their spiritual depth...." Read more
"Do you want a simple solution for every question you have ever had about topics of love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy..." Read more
"...He speaks on “life” “love” “friendship “ “children” “work” Easy, simple powerful and restorative My book of all my life." Read more
"...This makes it a rather strange book for the casual reader. You could more think of it as poetry rather than prose...." Read more
Customers appreciate the short stories and poems in the book. They find them readable and meaningful, with each page offering a mystery to unravel.
"...The Prophet is a relatively short book that can be read in an afternoon, but its impact will endure for a lifetime...." Read more
"...I am proud to include it in my collection. Intrigueing story full of the sort of passion that does not cloud the mind or divert truth but instead..." Read more
"...He touches on every aspect of life with short, poetic statements that hit the nail on the head on almost everything that man or women could use..." Read more
"A magnificent collection of stories and poems. My favorite is 'Joy & Sorrow' and I live by it. I should read it more often than I do...." Read more
Customers enjoy the drawings in the book. They find the author's sketches intriguing and original pictures educational.
"...This edition is equally perfect. It is hardcover and contains Gibran's own unique drawings...." Read more
"...The artistry of words and sketches have intrigued me ...." Read more
"...I also like this particular eduction with original pictures from the author." Read more
"My favorite reading, my favorite writer, my favorite edition complete with drawings...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024I received one of these books for my high school graduation in 1966. It started me thinking outside of the box. I always give one to a family member graduating from high school to try to open their minds.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2012This is my all-time favorite work of literature.
The first time I read this book I was 15 years old. A great friend's father (a high school guidance counselor) gave it to me in an attempt to broaden my philosophical, intellectual and literary horizons. The book had the desired effect. I opened it that afternoon and did not put it down until I had read every last page in one sitting. I was transfixed. I finished reading it in approximately three hours, front to back. My philosophy, my world view and my life were all changed forever.
Tons of people have reviewed the textual content of the book but it is more than that. This work is arguably the greatest literary accomplishment of Gibran's lifetime and it isn't just textual. It is also textural. The Prophet is poetic and it inspires a sense of inner peace and harmony just by reading the words written on its pages; simple messages which resonated like a cannon in a young mind. As it turns out they still resonate in exactly the same way now that I am older. I have read The Prophet a total of 22 times during the course of my life and each time I read it I discover some new facet of my existence that I can apply its wisdom to.
Over the years I have shared this amazing book with loved ones, friends, coworkers, even a university professor, who to my great surprise, had never read it. This is a seminal work and should be required reading for any person who considers himself/herself to be 'educated'.
Aside from the passages in the Bible, this is the greatest work of literary art in existence. Whatever booksellers are charging nowadays for a copy of The Prophet, it is worth it.
Michael E. Burgess
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024Should be read by everyone :)
- Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024I've bought this as a gift for many people over the year. Page for page, there's more wisdom here than any other text I've ever read.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024A MUST HAVE BOOK IN MY LIBRARY
- Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024This was my mom’s favorite book in high school, then about 20 or so yrs ago I read it for the first time and have read it at least 10 times since. Not usually my kind of book, but it hits you right in the heart and mind. I just bought this for my gf for our anniversary. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did
- Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2006A prophet has waited twelve years in a coastal town for the ship that will bear him back to his homeland, which he misses.
Why he is there, why he is waiting, how he knows what he knows, and who he is is a mystery. As he departs the townspeople gather to wish him well. A local seeress who knows him best asks him to share his wisdom so that it will endure for generations to come.
So, he reveals his wisdom on love, birth, marriage, children, pain, talking, pleasure, death any so much more.
It is a profound work, and here is his advice on marriage so you may judge for yourself:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
Its not a little similar to the Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics)where a border guard recognises Lao Tzu, and asks him to share his wisdom as he goes into exile. Written 2,500 years ago, and one of the most translated books in the world. The Tao contains many principles you can use in your everyday life, and if you're not thinking in ego based ways, your wisdom based thinking opens up..
If you like one book, you will love the other, so I recommend both. For the Tao, I recommend the Stephen Mitchell version. Hope this was useful.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024Liked. Person who received gift had this copy
Top reviews from other countries
- MiraessentiaReviewed in Canada on December 1, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars The Prophet
A well known writer and poet. Kahlil Gibran is a favourite inspirational writer of mine. So moved by The Prophet I purchase several at a time. So I make had out to friends as gifts! Yes, that's how much I admire this late poet. Highly recommend!
- Joanne MarasiganReviewed in Mexico on October 18, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless message
Been wanting to read this classic and truly didn’t disappoint. The message is timeless, profound and I honestly had to read it twice to appreciate the meaning and let it all sink in. Love the artwork as well.
- Gillian walkerReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to make sense of life
I gave it as a Christmas present
-
ParisReviewed in France on August 7, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable
De la poésie, de la spiritualité, et une vision de l'humanisme que chacun d'entre nous devrait lire ou écouter, ne serait-ce qu'une fois dans sa vie.
-
Anders KouruReviewed in Germany on December 10, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars The Prophet of Kahlil Gibran
Jungere Menschen aber auch ältere Menschen wurde diesen Buch gern lesen!
Es gibt viel innere und auch poetische Schönheit!
Viel Spass!