Born: 6 January 1883 · Died: 10 April 1931 · Age at death: 48
How old was Kahlil Gibran when he died?
Kahlil Gibran died aged 48. He was born on 6 January 1883 and died on 10 April 1931.
Lebanese-American poet and painter whose book The Prophet, a collection of poetic essays, has sold millions of copies worldwide
Did you know?His most famous book has never been out of print since its release and has been translated into over a hundred languages.
Editor's Take:
Kahlil Gibran's book The Prophet has comforted and inspired readers for a century. In short poetic chapters, a wise man speaks about love, marriage, children, work, friendship and death. Its warm, spiritual language is read aloud at weddings and funerals around the world. Gibran was also a talented painter, and he illustrated his own books. He became a bridge between Arabic and English literature, influencing poets in both languages.
Key Milestones
1895: Emigrates to Boston
1904: First art exhibition in Boston
1908: Studies art in Paris
1918: The Madman – first book in English
Jubrān Khalīl Jubrān (Arabic: جُبْرَان خَلِيل جُبْرَان; January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931), usually referred to in English as Kahlil Gibran, was a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist. He was also considered a philosopher, although he himself rejected the title.
Lebanese-American writer and artist, born in Bsharri on 6 January 1883
Kahlil Gibran was born on 6 January 1883 in Bsharri, in the mountains of present-day Lebanon. He emigrated with his mother and siblings to Boston as a child.
He studied art and literature, including in Paris, and began publishing in Arabic. He became a leading figure of a group of Arab writers in New York.
His English book The Prophet (1923) became an enduring bestseller. He died in New York in 1931 and was buried in his home town of Bsharri.
Career highlights
1883Born in Bsharri, Lebanon
1895Emigrates to Boston
1904First art exhibition: in Boston
1908Studies art in Paris
1918The Madman: first book in English
1920Pen League: founded with fellow Arab writers in New York
1923The Prophet
1931Dies in New York: buried in Bsharri
Did you know?A museum dedicated to him in Bsharri is housed in an old monastery, where he is also buried.
