And the Prophet Said

January 20, 2020
Einhorn, a scholar of Gibran (1883–1931), debuts with a captivating centennial edition of Lebanese philosopher Gibran’s The Prophet that’s packed with newly discovered material, including 150 of Gibran’s never before published prose poems, aphorisms, and passages from The Earth Gods not included in any other edition. In The Prophet, the full text of which is included here, a wise man shares knowledge with his followers—allowing Gibran to expand on ideas about the power of love and how to faithfully yield to it, how children are their own individuals, how work is a fulfillment of life, and how a criminal is the burden of the community. In the new material, composed at the end of his career, Gibran takes on a melancholy, cautionary tone as he warns nations and their citizens against division. and asking, “How many dig their graves with their tongues?” Peppered with Gibran’s haunting and sensual artwork, the book provides a complete collection of insightful verses that will be uplifting to those going through difficult times. Both devotees and those new to Gibran’s work will love this.

February 1, 2020

Mystic and Maronite Christian Gibran (1883-1931) is best remembered for The Prophet, first published in 1923. The book's proverbial qualities, delivered in simple prose straddling meditation and poetry, document a stranger responding to life's questions while visiting an island. This new edition of this classic text, edited by Einhorn (Beloved Prophet), adds to the original by including illustrations by Gibran himself as well as previously unpublished poems and adages discovered in archives at the University of North Carolina. In addition, the rich foreword by poet Daniel Ladinsky along with the introduction by Einhorn flesh out the relationship between Gibran and his benefactor, Mary Haskell, and provide context for various unpublished writings. Einhorn shares his personal connection to this material as well: it was his late mother who began editing these newfound treasures. Here, Einhorn seeks to draw closer to his mother through the work that sustained her until her death. VERDICT A rich collection for all interested in the work and ongoing legacy of Gibran.--Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh

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