The Prophet

Outline

The Prophet (1923) is a collection of poetic essays in which the wise man Almustafa, about to leave the city where he has lived for twelve years, shares his thoughts with its people. Kahlil Gibran reflects on love, marriage, children, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, friendship, and death. Translated into dozens of languages, it is one of the best-selling books of poetry in history.

• The book is a set of poetic essays spoken by the wise man Almustafa as he prepares to leave the city.
• Almustafa shares his thoughts with the city's people after living among them for twelve years.
• Gibran reflects on love, marriage, children, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, friendship, and death.
• Its poetic reflections aim to awaken compassion and a sense of inner truth in the reader.
• Translated into dozens of languages, it is one of the best-selling books of poetry in history.

Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and artist who wrote in both Arabic and English. He was a leading member of the Pen League, a circle of Arab writers in New York who renewed Arabic literature. His works include The Prophet, The Broken Wings, and The Madman.