Having recently
interviewed Paul-Gordon Chandler for
Artlyst, I've been very interested to read his latest book
In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran.
In Search of a Prophet is a fascinating journey through the all-embracing spirituality of
Kahlil Gibran, author of the bestselling book
The Prophet. Capturing our imaginations and enriching our spirits, Paul-Gordon Chandler explores this beloved writer and poet-artist, a mystic who sought to build bridges and tear down walls.
In Search of a Prophet is not a traditional biography, but a compelling spiritual journey through Gibran’s writings, art, and the places he lived. From his birthplace village high in the snowy mountains of Lebanon, Chandler leads us through his emigration to Boston, art training in Paris, career in New York, and to the far reaching places of influence his writings and art have traveled.
Delving into passages of some of Gibran’s writings—both famous and lesser-known—Chandler breathes life into this captivating poet artist who moved beyond religion to the core of universal spirituality and was a unique blend of East and West. His voice is timeless, appealing to heart and mind, faith and reason, a much-needed guide for our times.
Reviews
“A profound spiritual journey into the life and work of the beloved poet, Kahlil Gibran, a much-needed guide for our times.”
-Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
“Paul-Gordon Chandler’s journey into Kahlil Gibran’s life and timeless teachings offers solace and shelter in our divided and troubled times.”
-Jeffrey Fleishman, senior writer on film, art and culture at the Los Angeles Times
“An inspiring and vivid exploration into the all-embracing spirituality of Kahlil Gibran, sharing with us profound wisdom that can guide us through the challenges of our world today. A modern classic of spirituality.”
-Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President and Johnston Family Professor for Religion and Democracy at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York
“Gibran, assisted by Chandler, will introduce you to a great land that lies within you.”
-Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration
"Before reading this book my only real knowledge was the poem of Kahlil Gibran often read at weddings in the 1970s and 80s, and frequently caricatured. What that limited knowledge didn't reveal was the story of his life, the depth of his convictions, and the gift of his wisdom. This book tells his story, reveals the depth and passes on that gift."
-The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
"Chandler succeeds in providing a portrait of a hard-won spirituality that transcended religion even while embracing it."
-Library Journal
"A powerful glimpse into the inner life of a spiritual giant."
-Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith Youth Core, author of Acts of Faith and Interfaith Leadership.
“A profound look at Kahlil Gibran’s prophetic voice for peace and reconciliation ... issuing a timeless call to respect all peoples and their religious traditions equally - and thereby serving as an indispensable guide for our times.”
-Ambassador Rabbi David N. Saperstein, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
“Chandler blends memoir and biography in this ... exploration of poet Kahlil Gibran’s influences, writings, and impact. [This book] provides a solid introduction to Gibran and his complex work.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Paul-Gordon Chandler brilliantly captures the universal spirituality of the beloved poet Kahlil Gibran ... a revelatory and a true inspiration for those seeking to build bridges, not walls.”
-Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, President, Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland and Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundation
Paul-Gordon Chandler, an Episcopal priest, is an interfaith advocate, art curator, and social entrepreneur who has lived and worked in the Middle East and North Africa for many years. An authority on the Middle East and on Christian-Muslim relations, he is the Founding President of
CARAVAN, an international peacebuilding non-profit that uses the arts to build bridges between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East and the West. He is also the author of
Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths and
Songs in Waiting. He can be reached at:
www.paulgordonchandler.com.
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Fairuz -
Give Me The Nay (Flute).
