The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.85 You Save: $9.10 (57%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.50 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Power of Myth
Book Review: A Humanist Path to the Spirit
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first saw (and read) this series of interviews, it floored me. It opened me up to a world of spirituality outside the religious limitations I'd grown up with. Since then I've read almost everything Campbell wrote--including the new Thou Art That (wow!)--and while all of the books and recordings fill me with that same awe, this one gathers together all of the themes and ideas so cleanly and succinctly. This is a must-read.Book Review: A book that will change the way you think about life
Summary: 5 Stars
The single best book I have ever read. Joseph Campbell's understanding of his subject matter is unbelievable. But even more amazing is his ability to translate it into lessons and stories that are easily understandable by the reader. This is a book that will give you new insights every time you read it. An incredible work.Book Review: A dangerous bag of magic
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is undeniably appealing, but be careful: myths are a product of the lower rational mind, as philosopher/scientist Jurgen Haberamas has shown. It is the same mentality that produces the rediculous Christian mythology which the readers of this book are rebelling against. Cambell admits that 99% of myth-involved folk believe the myths to be LITERAL. The other 1% are mystical, transpersonal people who are merely expressing their experiences in the format of a myth as a tasteful way of expressing the eternal. So for the rational Westerner, this leaves us with lovely myths which merely correspond to a mystical region which we can at most intuitively sense is sort of there. So what do we do? - read Ken Wilber and start meditating to get to the place where we understand myths to be an expression of the eternal. Think you're there already? Think again. Meditate.Book Review: A fitting Introduction
Summary: 5 Stars
It isn't often that one comes across a book that can be referenced again and again. This is probably best described as broad overview of the late Joseph Campbell's best work. For those who are not familiar with the scholar's previous works, including the world renowned "Hero with a Thousand Faces" (which has also been reviewed), this work covers the vast expanse of Campbell's ideas and research over the course of his lifetime. The volumes of his scholarly work may be a bit intimidating to the uninitiated, but for the casual reader who would like a taste of mythology, psychology, art and religion, this work is a great and welcome piece that should belong in every philosopher's library. The conversational style of the writing is very accessable and makes the reader feel as if they are privy to a private talk with the man himself. The breadth of knowledge and humor with which Campbell presents his material is a great way for readers to get the sense of what a lecture from the man was like. This book is the definative work on the subject and has even been condensed down to the bare bones elements by Hollywood screenwriters and playwrights. This work is also available in audio format and on DVD. Overall, a wonderful introduction to Joseph Campbell and his ideas.Book Review: A great resource for "seekers".
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are open to the concept of all religions being wrong in the details but right in the underlying principle, this book is for you. If you are close-minded and need to keep your foundation unshaken, leave this book alone.