The Prophet - Kahlil Gibran

The Prophet is “the most famous work of religious inspiration of the twentieth century.” This claim is made on the back cover of this small book which I received as a Christmas present. The claim is at least partially justified for this book has sold 10 million copies world-wide, has been translated into more than 20 languages and, in America is second only to the Bible in sales. But why? What is so special about it? In all honesty – I don’t know. It is difficult to even work out what type of writing it is. Classified by its publishers Penguin under various categories including literature, philosophy, and religion/mythology, The Prophet ...  Read the complete review

The lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran wrote this short book in 1923. The Prophet is just a collection of short sermons delivered by the 'Chosen One'. 'The Chosen One' has been exiled for 12 years and on the eve of his return to his native land he is asked by the seeress to speak to the people. He delivers a series of twenty six short sermons about love, and the mysteries of life including drinking and eating. At the end of the book promises to return. This short book has sold over ten million copies and been translated into ten different languages. I couldn't see why it is so popular except perhaps for its artistic merit. The language is ...  Read the complete review

This is a short, spiritual book published in 1923, full of wisdom and fruit for the soul....How many books do we read and discard? Well, this is one that you can keep thinking about and referring to, as a real self-help guide but also with beautiful writing. I hadn't heard of the author or the book until I received it as a present. Now I've learned that he is the 3rd bestselling author after Shakespeare. It's a moving book due to the simple style of the writing that covers major topics of Love, Marriage, Law, Language, Time etc.... But the sentences are biblical with resonance and yet it does not preach. You will keep returning to it to ...  Read the complete review

"And I say that life is indeed darkness save when there is urge, And all urge is blind save when there is knowledge" The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran (Gibran, 26) Ok, maybe i'm just biased because Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese author, but I read this book a year ago, finally! (my family owns it in Arabic, French, and English) I thought it was great. Each chapter has a theme, for examply about Love, Hate, Family, Work, etc, and it is basically about a wandering Prophet, Al Mustafa, who is going to leave a town he has been living in, but before he leaves he tells the people of the village his wisdom and beliefs and how he thinks they should live their ...  Read the complete review

Those who have not read any of Kahlil Gibran's work, and who are unfamiliar with the man, would surely find "The Prophet" a worthy introduction. It is an intensely spiritual work, written as a simple tale. Gibran's writing offers solace when one's mood is low, and is a worthy modern book of parables. I have read other works by Kahlil Gibran and yet none touched me as much as this one. As you read, you find yourself craving a higher spiritual plane, exploring yourself, your life, the possibilities and opportunities of your future - and yet this is not what the book is about. It just provokes that reaction in you. I am deliberately omitting any information ...  Read the complete review