Overview
This is a beautifully preserved 1961 sixty-fourth printing of Kahlil Gibran's timeless masterpiece, 'The Prophet', complete with its original dust jacket.
Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautifully preserved 1961 sixty-fourth printing of Kahlil Gibran's timeless masterpiece, 'The Prophet', complete with its original dust jacket.
Story
Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet' was first published in 1923 by Alfred A. Knopf. Knopf's distinctive hardcover editions, featuring Gibran's own mystical illustrations, remained the standard format for decades. This 1961 edition represents the 64th printing, a testament to the book's enduring mid-century popularity. 'The Prophet' is one of the most widely read and reprinted books of the 20th century.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller describes the book as 'beautifully preserved' and notes the presence of the original dust jacket. For mid-century reprints of common titles, the condition of the dust jacket (specifically the absence of tears, sun-fading, or price-clipping) is the primary value driver.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
'The Prophet' is one of the most widely read and reprinted books of the 20th century. Early and mid-century Knopf editions are abundant but consistently popular among readers and collectors looking for vintage reading copies or gifts. Because of the sheer volume of printings, only true first editions or signed copies command significant premiums; later printings like this 64th edition trade strictly as decorative or reading copies in the $10-$30 range, heavily dependent on the presence and condition of the dust jacket.
▲ Presence of the original dust jacket significantly boosts appeal for vintage book buyers.
▲ Described as 'beautifully preserved', placing it above typical heavily-read copies.
▲ Alfred A. Knopf publication retains the classic mid-century formatting and original Gibran illustrations.
▼ Unverified dust jacket condition — hidden tears, price-clipping, or sun-fading would drop the value toward the $10 floor.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, where vintage reading copies perform best. Highlight the 1961 date, the Knopf publisher, and the presence of the original dust jacket in the title. Price at $25 to allow room for offers, or $15-$18 for a faster sale.
Upside Potential
Because this is a 64th printing, there is virtually no upside beyond the $25-$30 retail range for a pristine copy; the market ceiling for mid-century reprints of this title is firmly capped by abundant supply.