Prophet: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran [Hardcover]

Robin Waterfield (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0788197703 | ISBN-13: 978-0788197703 | Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Traces the influences that shaped Kahlil Gibran, author of the inspirational New Age text The Prophet , which remains an enduring work of the 20th century. He explores Gibran s development from the wounded Romantic & angry young man to his final metamorphosis as the Prophet of New York, following him from the decadence of Boston to the vigor of Greenwich Village in its heyday before the World War I. Though known outwardly for the peace & optimism that permeates his work, Gibran s life was littered with personal tragedy. Tormented by his failure to live up to his own vision of spiritual fulfillment, Gibran ultimately succumbed to the ravages of alcoholism. Illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This respectful but frank biography of the author of The Prophet reveals Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) as a deeply conflicted man. Robin Waterfield, an English translator of ancient Greek philosophical texts, believes that Gibran never felt entirely at ease in America (to which he immigrated from Lebanon in 1895) or in his native culture. His influential Arabic poetry infused a rigidly classical literature with Western-style romanticism and colloquialism. And his English-language books like The Prophet (which has sold millions since its initial publication in 1923), with their emphasis on the individual's quest for enlightenment and inner peace outside of the constraints of organized religious institutions, helped to create New Age spirituality. Yet Gibran was an alcoholic, frequently unhappy in his relationships with women, and in Waterfield's judgment became so enmeshed in his role as poet-prophet that he "could not endure the reality of being a human being." Somewhat pedantically written and argued, this useful work sifts fact from fiction to illuminate Gibran's links with early 20th-century bohemians in Boston and Greenwich Village, his political and literary affiliations with fellow Arab immigrants, and his impact on the culture of his time and our own. --Wendy Smith --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Known for his perennially bestselling epigrammatic book, The Prophet, Gibran (1883-1931) built such an effective persona as a mystical poet-prophet that he himself seems to have mistaken the illusion for the reality, according to Waterfield. The son of an impoverished orchard grower in Lebanon (then part of Syria), Gibran told Americans that he came from a wealthy and influential family, and he gave himself exotic and mystical airs. Among Syrian friends, however, he posed as a poor, angry young man defying oppression and injustice. Waterfield delineates Gibran's narcissism, his lack of consideration for his faithful friend and patron, Mary Haskell, and the alcoholism that likely killed him. Waterfield examines Gibran's influence on Arabic literature, discussing his Symbolist-school drawings and paintings and tracing his impact on New Age spirituality. In spite of Gibran's shortcomings, Waterfield concludes, he channeled his unhappiness and tension into a body of creative work that continues to be meaningful to many readers.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 366 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin s Press (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0788197703
• ISBN-13: 978-0788197703
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,238,314 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Prophet: Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran, September 12, 2007

By 

Scott Moulton "SAM" (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Prophet: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran (Paperback)

A fairly well-written biography of Gibran. I learned much that did not know about the man. What I learned, was that he was a deeply flawed man, who was also a great artist and writer. I learned that he also died fairly young, from alcoholism. Another creative genious brought low y substance abuse. Would he have had the creativity, had he not had the alcohol problem? I don't know, but he must have thought not, or he wouldnt have begun drinking.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, September 28, 2001

By 

"ashmaster" (Lexington, Ky United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prophet: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran (Hardcover)

Each page of this book is filled with color, love, hope and happiness. It is a reminder of the importance of treating one's self and others well, and how beautiful life really is.