Customer Reviews

Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran

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I don't believe all readers would share the response I had, and this would be a shame, for rarely have I been so moved. This contains poems, short prose and stories- Some are beautiful parables, some are narratives of his past, others include gentle condemnations of harmful passions or yearnings for a better world; all (excluding, perhaps, the letters) are worth reading for any sort of audience, revolutionary or romantic, religious or humanist, idiot or intelligent, and so on.
Some parts of this book seemed unreal. So wonderous was the flow of words and the manifestation of Gibrans mind that I felt tears at the incredible beauty of the whole, I even shuddered in joy brought about by the realisation that this work of art exists- kind of like when first reading the Brothers Karamazov, seeing a Michaelangelo, or viewing a spectacular film of nature (Blue Planet, Pattagonia and the like); one is left in awe.

I borrowed this book from a friend and she never got it back. I have read it in its entirity more than five times and I still am stunned at the beauty of his writings. This is the perfect mix of his writings, it gives you a really good introduction to the beautiful work that he does. Really the only thing that it is missing is the Prophet.

"I know that the principles upon which I base my writings, are echoes of the spirit of the great majority of the people of the world..." (656)
-Kahlil Gibran in a letter to his cousin, Nakhli Gibran, in 1908.

"The Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran", is a compilation of three other books of Gibran's treasury of writings, that each contained several books in one volume. They were: "A Treasury of Kahlil Gibran" (1947), "A Second Treasury of Kahlil Gibran" (1957), and "A Third Treasury of Kahlil Gibran" (1965). A total of ten books in all, this volume contains earlier books by Gibran such as, "Tears And Laughter", and more mature and widely acclaimed books such as, "The Broken Wings." In addition to the beautiful prose, verse, and imaginative stories, there is also biographical information and letters written by, and to Gibran. This is perhaps the most comprehensive book of Kahlil Gibran's writings, and one of the most informative about the man himself.

Philosopher, artist, and poet; these are some of the titles that are used to describe Kahlil Gibran. In order to fully describe this remarkable man, and this book, "The Treasured writings of Kahlil Gibran", one must reach beyond a mere title and use words such as passion, purity, and even divinity. To read this book is to realize this was a mortal man who sincerely understood the difficulties of being human, and yet often looked into the tender eyes of the divine, and shares his belief that he can see this light in the eyes of others.

"The riches of the spirit beautify the face of man and give birth to sympathy and respect. The spirit, in every being is made manifest in the eyes..." (488)

To absorb the depth of Gibran is to discover your own soul's longing for light and life, for beauty and joy. It is to hear the cries of your own heart's ecstasy as a friend, companion, and lover. With his writings, Gibran seems to gently take us by the hand, and listen with us, for our own whisper of echoing spirit.

My father first gave me a copy of this powerful, and yet distant writer who exposed my mental eye to a world far away; yet close to home. Kahlil Gibran inspired me beyond words, and I know as a writer that every word written inspires someone; however, this author is my prime example of how race has no matter in words that scatter ignorance. He'd addressed the heart and mind on subjects with great story telling power. My original copy of his book is so old that it is falling apart, and so I bought this collection in order to share his words with others without concern for the condition of the book. I read a few pages to a young lady in one of my classes and she went out and bought her a copy, too. I had no idea that I was missing out on so much more incredible stories and poems until I'd made this purchase. I leave it to you form your own opinion.

Gibran uses words in a way that makes you question your own beliefs, ideas and views of yourself and the world that surrounds you. Every piece of work makes you feel something new, like a seedling sprouting inside yourself. Making you realize more and more about who you want to become and what kind of life you are living now. Each time I open this book, my heart begins to pound because I know that I am about to embark on a great adventure into a spiritual world full of wonder.

Got this book hardbound version from my father about 15 years ago. it was a wonderful book then and still will be. It's one of those little known books, one of many that I found now and again, that are the best books written. Get this book and check it out. I highly recommend Two Wishes, Satan and Cry of the Graves. Not the lightest of reading but are certainly thought provocking.

Gibran!!! Among my 19 year long reading this is one of the best experiences ever I've had... I suggest you just buy the book... go to woods or a park just sit and submerge your self into the world of Gibran! And you'll come back enlightened!!!

Though I am not a very avid reader, but this is one of the most astonishing book I have ever come across. This is the third time I am buying this book. Everytime some of my friends takes it to read it and it never comes back. Everytime you flip thro' this book, its different all the time. There is a new discovery waiting for you every time.

All I have to say is that Kahlil Gibran is the master of literary emotion. I only hope to someday write even just one piece that can hold a flame to his writings. This book is unbelievable.

I found this book to contain many of the best of Kahlil Gibran's profound and inspirational writings. It has the complete text from previous books that are now out of print. It is truly a must for all Gibran fans