Lebanese-American artist and writer (1883-1931) best known for his writings on religion and for his best-selling 1923 spiritual-philosophical classic The Prophet. Two uncommon items: an ALS, one page both sides, 6.5 x 10.5, personal letterhead, August 24, 1929, to "Mary Louise," in part: "I am delighted to hear that you are coming to New York some time in September. It will be so good to see you again. I have not been well—and I have been out of the world for a long time, and my heart is full of deep silence, unsung songs. And I am extremely restless. All these are signs of old age. Perhaps they are signs of a second youth in that I feel I must express myself in new forms of beauty. Do let me know more about your coming East…Please remember me in kindliness to your mother, and then to other members of your family"; and a first edition of Jesus by Kahlil Gibran, hardcover, published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1928, signed and inscribed on the first free end page in Arabic by Gibran, who also adds an inscription to the frontispiece, "ML: You were there too, K. G.," and on page 197, "To Marie Louise, a faithful friend, loving and loveable, who saw the beginning of this book, and she was generous, and she was helpful. Kahlil." On the illustration on page 14, Gibran also pens, "Now behold!" A few passages are underlined in ballpoint, presumably by the recipient. Letter is in fine condition; book is VG/None, with a personal bookplate affixed to the front pastedown and some restoration done to the spine, with reinforcements along the gutter of the first free end page and frontispiece. A wonderful pairing of sought-after items.
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