The Prophet

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6W Kahlil Gibran. Illustrated by the author. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1965. Notes The Prophet is a profound, prose-poetry masterpiece that stands as one of the most widely read w orks of modern spiritual literature. The narrative centers on Almustafa, a prophet who has lived in the foreign city of Orphalese for twelve years and is finally about to board a ship to return to his homeland. Before he departs, a crowd of townspeople gathers around him, prompting a series of deep, philosophical dialogues on the core mysteries of the human condition. Across twenty-six poetic essays, Almustafa offers timeless wisdom on universal themes such as love, marriage, children, work, joy, sorrow, and death, delivering a comforting philosophy that views the human soul as inherently divine and interconnected with the cosmos. The visionary voice behind this classic was Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931), a Lebanese-American poet, visual artist, and philosopher who served as a vital cultural bridge between the Middle East and the West. Born in Lebanon under Ottoman rule, Gibran emigrated to the United States as a child, wrestling firsthand with the complexities of dual cultural identity, poverty, and artistic ambition. He spent over a decade carefully writing, polishing, and perfecting The Prophet in English, viewing it as his life's defining work and channeling his deep knowledge of Sufi mysticism, Christian spirituality, and Western Romanticism into its pages. First published in 1923 by Alfred A. Knopf, the book has achieved an unparalleled historical legacy, translating into over one hundred languages and never once going out of print. Though early Western literary critics frequently dismissed its simple, aphoristic style, The Prophet became a massive counter-cultural phenomenon, exploding in popularity during the 1930s Great Depression and again during the 1960s youth movement. Its enduring appeal lies in its non-dogmatic, universally accessible spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries. It remains an absolute staple of global publishing and a highly sought-after cornerstone for poetry and philosophy collectors around the world. Description Black canvas binding with gilt illustration to upper board and lettering to spine. Original dust wrapper. Small tears to head and foot of spine of wrapper. Illustrated. With inscription in blue ink to preliminary flyleaf. Very good condition. Show more