In Search of a Prophet

Book excerpt: “A profound spiritual exploration into the life and work of the beloved poet Kahlil Gibran, a much-needed guide for our times.” –Reza Aslan, author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth In Search of a Prophet is a fascinating journey through the spiritual life of Kahlil Gibran, the great Lebanese-American poet and author of The Prophet, a book originally published in 1923 that has sold over 10 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages. Capturing our imaginations and enriching our spirits, Paul-Gordon Chandler explores this beloved writer and artist, a celebrated mystic who sought to build bridges and tear down walls and who remains a cultural icon among all people of goodwill. This is not a traditional biography but a compelling spiritual journey through Gibran’s writings, art, and the places he lived. From Gibran’s birthplace village high in the snowy mountains of Lebanon, Chandler leads us through his immigration to Boston, art training in Paris, and career in New York, and to the far-reaching places of influence his writings and art have traveled, alerting readers to Gibran’s continuing relevance for today. This paperback edition, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Prophet, includes a foreword by Bishop Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, as well as a new preface by the author.