The Collected Works of Kahlil Gibran (Everyman’s Library Contemporary Classics)

A finely bound, quality collection of one of literature's most inspiring poetic visionaries. I recently wrote about Gibran's "Thoughts and Meditations" that it is "one of the most poetic and inspiring works of literature ever. If you don't own it, you should. If you own it, learn the pieces that most resonate with you by heart. It's balsam for the soul and a beacon of spiritual wisdom." - and this holds true but is cranked up to 11 in this generous collection. Emotionally deep and lyrically outstanding. To give you a taste, here's just one of my many favourite passages; "You were born together, and together you shall be forever more. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Yes, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of heaven dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but each one of you be alone—even as the strings of a lute are alone though the quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not in each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cyprus grow not in each other’s shadows"

I was briefly introduced to Kahlil Gibran's work by my mother a number of years ago who read the poem ' Children' - it describes exactly how we both felt about bringing up our own children. I searched for it again recently after my eldest daughter moved abroad with my grandchildren, and eased the pain of separation. I loved it so much I ordered this book for myself and the smaller one for my mum. I have since read much of his other work and find it very meditational and deeply insightful, I would love my family to read the last poem in the book, 'The Beauty of Death' at my funeral, if not just after I have died. I will go without worrying and they may find it comforting. A poem for every event and a philosophy for life.

Gibran's writings have been popular for many years and I purchased this excellent edition to replace an older copy of mine. Poet, philosopher and artist Kahlil Gibran's writings stir the soul. The Irish poet, mystic and painter George Russell 'AE', said of him "I do not think the East has spoken with so beautiful a voice since the Gitanjali of Rabindranath Tagore". Words by "The Prophet" still are relevant today and reading this book will deepen your thought processes and leave you uplifted.

This is a nice book to hold and read, also has original illustrations included. For myself I would have liked the print to be a little larger, and therefore the book to be a little larger. I have only dipped into parts of it, and will continue to do so but am unlikely to sit and just go through it. I am glad to have it on my bookshelf though, and am finding Gibran was a more prolific writer of rare talent than I had appreciated.

Easy to order and quick to download on my Kindle Low cost, good value.

I can't recommend this book enough. Gibran was a genius and this collection by Everyman is excellent. The book is beautifully illustrated in black and white by Gibran himself. Most people have only heard of his book 'The Prophet' which is a shame; his other works are just as compelling and as deep in thought. Whatever your beliefs, Gibran will stimulate your imagination and viewpoints on life.

This book is worthy of its value and would suit all romantics and lovers of poetry. A relaxing read as you dip into it at those times when you have some peace and quiet. For the uninitiated it is also an eye opener. And for those who are already a fan it is "a must" to add to your collection.

Utterly amazing! Khalil Gibran's writing has such an easy, free-flowing style to it, and yet it is still full of meaning and forces you to think for a considerable amount of time afterwards about meaning of what you've read. This is truly a beautiful kind of poetry - it is often open to interpretation and different people will relate to it in slightly different ways. Pure genius!

I'm not talking about Gibran works, that is out of my league. I am talking about the digital edition (kindle book) of General Press. Not even at 6% of the book and already found 2 gross errors, <<heard>> instead of <<heart>> and <<though>> instead of <<through>>. Being not a native speaker my guess is that there were a bunch of more "sutile" errors which was not able to catch and they simply twisted my understanding of Gibran poetry. So this digital material lacks of proofreading. You are warned.

Love the weaving of religion and Jesus and the gods into everyday feelings and observations. Teaching and perspective heavy can make you change your perspective or at least see things differently.

The genius of Kahlil Gibran is well known and what a restoring gift it has been for me to re-read his work.

There’s a reason he’s my favourite Christian Lebanese poet. His work is to be savoured.

Good