In "The Gravedigger", he surrenders an old self without attachment or grief, but with joy and laughter.In "The Greater Sea" he rejects the social traps of the physical world and seeks something higher.In "Faces" he looks beyond the physical to view the true countanence of Soul.In "The Eye" his 3rd or 'spiritual' eye sees that which his other senses cannot.
Yet, the greatest of these is the first page and a half (untitled, I assume its called "The Madman") which captures the essence of this drinking straight from the well of Soul. It amazes me each time I read it and is alone worth the price of the book.
Fans of prose should enjoy Gibran's style immensely. I prefer it to the general colloquial style of writing and it is more expressive than similar styles of essay and short story writing. Gibran also has several other books, in addition to "The Prophet," that are worthy of reading. I own "The Madman, "The Voice of the Master," and "Sand and Foam." This one is my favorite. It is an astoundingly eloquent, but still clear and expressive collection of writing on the most fundamentally important of all topics.
There are very few human beings capable of rivaling scripture in the emotions that their writings invoke. Kahlil Gibran was one of them.
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.