Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and visual artist. He is best known as the author of The Prophet, one of the best-selling books of all time, which has been translated into more than 100 languages.

The Madman: His Parables and Poems, Gibran's first book published in English, is a collection of approximately 35 inspirational parables and poems on God, animals, human nature, and the meaning of life. These brief but memorable pieces serve as sources of contemplation and include "How I Became a Madman", "The Two Hermits", "The Wise Dog", "The Good God and the Evil God", "Night and the Madman", "When My Sorrow Was Born", and “When My Joy Was Born".