The Madman: His Parables and Poems (Dover Literature: Poetry)

Like all Gibran's writings, The Madman puts the mind in a peaceful and tranquil state.The Madman is a collection of 35 short moral stories and poetry that tell the tale of an individual who had all his self-imposed illusions and artificial faces stripped from him, leaving him just with the truth of his life, his observations and his surroundings. It shows the irony of sanity and it's status as a social construct.This book is very short (only around 71 pages, depending on your edition) and can be read very quickly. This is useful, because I've found I wanted to read it several times over. It's especially great for plane rides or any other situation in which you might find yourself harried or stressed with things beyond your control.

This book starts out describing the mind of a man who has lost all control and ends with an unpleasant account of a world totally ordered.It is a very mystical book, poetic, and revealing. Maybe the author went mad writing it. He must be an Egolessness author to be able to put himself in the mind of a madman so believable. I am inspired to read Gibran again very soon.

I got intrigued by Gibran's writing after rereading “The Wanderer”. Years ago I read his famous book "The Prophet" and I loved his "Jesus Son of Man". Like “The Wanderer” this very small book (71 pages in paperback form) is a collection of poems and parables. Many are philosophical reflections of man’s conflicts caused by different points of view. Some are spiritual statements about man’s thoughts on God and what God may be thinking back. Some stories are very short with just one paragraph. Others are a couple of pages. My favorite stories are: “The Eye” - a comment on different perspectives of the world with a final satirical conclusion. “The Fox” is a reflection on lofty plans. “God” is a brief reflection of timelessness. “On Giving and Taking” seems to be saying one thing but means another (which I will leave to you to discover). The book is a treasure and will be reread and contemplated again. I rated it a 4 star because I did not think it was as good as "Jesus Son of Man" or "The Prophet" but I thought it a bit better than "The Wanderer".

Kahlil Gilbran's masterpiece has always been considered THE PROPHET. In addition to writing this profound and inspiring poetry, he composed 12 other books of verses. However, none of these are as renown as THE PROPHET. In fact, many Americans who love THE PROPHET don't realize the existence of his other work. This is too bad.THE MADMAN was first published in 1918. Although written nearly 100 years ago, it remains timely. In addition, it was Gibran's first published verse. It went out of print several years ago, but has recently been made available. This book of verse is a real treasure. Of all Gilbran's writing, THE MADMAN is my favorite. In fact, I like it more than THE PROPHET. I found it thoughtful, insightful and most importantly self reflecting.

You can never fail if you choose a book by Khalil. He is a master of words who paints images in our minds. His language calms the soul and emotes compassion in the heart. He speaks to the downtrodden and gives mankind hope for a kinder gentler world.Here is a quote from the book:

Unspeakable beauty in the masterful lyrics and parables of a mystic awake, a madman, a truthslayer, a soothsayer. Kindred madness. Read and wake.

Kahlil Gibran is a great writer, I have read three more books from him and I love it. One or two pages format make it very easy to read. I am almost convince than being mad is a great thing

Fantastic. Wondrous. Uplifting, mesmerizing, and deep -diving. Takes the reader on a thoughtful journey through a surprisingly familiar wilderness. .