An exceptionally rare signed first edition of Khalil Gibran’s first book in English. The Madman: His Parables and Poems was first published in New York in 1918, and marked the start of a new phase in Gibran’s career. He had previously published work in Arabic in Lebanon and in the US. It contains seven parables in a distinctive style that would be used in later writings, notably The Prophet (1923), which remains his best-known book and one of the bestselling titles of all time. The book also includes several black-and-white drawings by the author, which would become a distinctive feature in most of his future works. A year after The Madman, Gibran published his first and only collection of sketches, called Twenty Drawings, also issued by Knopf in New York. This example is a first edition, second impression, published in March 1920. It was owned by an acquaintance of Gibran, Hazel Newton. An extract from a 1923 letter to her from the author has been pasted in above her own name, reading “With Kindest Wishes to Hazel Newton, from Khalil Gibran, 1922.” Underneath is a signature and date by the owner, with an inscription which reads “Poor Painter of Lebanon”. Early issues of The Madman are very scarce, with the book printed in small quantities. Signed examples of Gibran’s books are also rare, not least because the author passed away in 1931, at the relatively young age of 48. Hardback, bound in the original black cloth with gilt lettering. In very good condition. Externally a few bumps and marks, and slight fading to title lettering. Inside the book is free from any writing except the author’s and owner’s inscriptions. Priced at Dhs37,500. Please contact us to organise a viewing, or visit our gallery in Alserkal Avenue.
