The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
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Book Reviews of The Power of Myth
Book Review: A lot more than just a follow-your-bliss clichm
Summary: 5 Stars
Due to the fact that this book is just some disjoint interviews compiled together after the author's death, the scope and treatment of the topics are bound to be limited, incoherent, and overlapping at times. This book is not about equal coverage of myths from ALL traditions all over world. If you want just another myth for your own amusement, you would be better off watching TV, if not reading an academic journal. To me, the most important thing to look for in this book is not the discovery that all myths share a common theme, but rather the fact that Campbell took such discovery with great care and dedication. Each time the interviewer (Bill Moyer) hit him with a tough question, Campbell could just counter with a spell-binding tale to illustrate his point with force of wisdom. Moreover, he did not just throw facts and analyses at the readers-- he actually went to great length to explain why he thought the subject was relevant and important to our modern society. THIS kind of message is what a book that targets general audience should try to deliver. Not just information. Not just knowledge. But, more important than anything else, wisdom.Book Review: An amazing thought provoking,awe inspiring treasure that just may give you a fresh outlook on life and its mystery
Summary: 5 Stars
Their's not much I can say that hasn't already been layed out in previous reviews so I can only relate the impression the book has made on me. Quiet simply this is perhaps the greatest book i've ever read. Campbell integrated so many ideas together through his career and links together the stories man has told all throughout the world,accomplishing in showing us the the underlined themes that humanity shares throughout all time in all societies.Reading such a treasure one time through cannot do such a book justice. The idea's of Jung,Adolf Bastian,and James Joyce merge with the east and the west to create a truley amazing piece of work that I think most will fall in love with.
Campbell was an amazing person in that he could be critical but never "attack". A lesson too quickly forgotten in todays landscape where writers all too often attempt to coin a profit with intellectual smack talk.
So many books coming out today that seem revolutionary in their scope can be found as simply footnotes in many of Campbells works. Even all these years later contemperary writers are still far behind Campbell.
Book Review: a powerful look at life, love and all things in between....
Summary: 5 Stars
THE POWER OF MYTH is a companion piece to the wonderful documentary, done in the mid-1980s, with journalist Bill Moyers and the late, great philosopher, Joseph Campbell. I was a small child when I first saw the documentary series, and when I was read the book as a bedtime story (!), yet many images still linger in my mind. For starters, from the very beginning, Joseph Campbell encourages and dares us all to dream bigger than ourselves, in this world. He presents world myth and imagery to us in a very original and vibrant way, and really makes storytelling and mythology an inclusive journey for all to experience. The subject matter includes love, valor, and compassion (and no, I am not making reference to that film by the same name). Even those who have never even really been formally introduced to mythology, previously, will find this book interesting and thought-provoking, because Joseph Campbell makes the whole process of philosophical discernment so provocative and intriguing. This is definitely a book I would reccomend to all philosophy scholars and scholars in training!Book Review: Wondering why you were born? Look no further.
Summary: 5 Stars
5.5 stars
The Power Of Myth pretty much explains why we are here, and what we can do about it.
I can't think of any single book that showed me as much about myself, my mind, and how I fit into the grand dance of history as Powers Of Myth. It takes the great Bill Moyers interviews and lays them out in a beautifully logical fashion.
There is more deep thought and simple logic about the world's religions and myths here than in any other book I have found; Campbell's favorite theme, that all religions come from the same sources and have the same message, is clearly explained. More importantly, the wonderfully wise author takes that information and shows us how to use it to make our lives richer and more meaningful. What a glorious man, and what a glorious book. It's not only a fine introduction to Joseph's extraordinary work, it's a fitting summation, and a tribute to how much one man can learn and share and grow in a lifetime.
Makes a perfect gift for anyone at any age who likes to think.
My highest recommendation.
Book Review: The Paperback Power of Myth
Summary: 5 Stars
The video interview with Joseph Campbell is quite compelling. This book is a companion to the video and would be hard to fully appreciate without it.
The video of course was highly editted; but, it does provide visuals that don't translate well into text. For example, when talking about Star Wars, it's helpful to see the clips to which they allude. On the otherhand, the text provides the opportunity to review in greater detail the nuances of what was said and the transcript is more complete without giving the impression of just being a bunch of outtakes.
In the intro to the book we learn that Jackie Kennedy played an important role in the creation of the book and video; something that I perhaps missed when watching the video credits. Campbell's influence on others seems at least as intriguing as his work.
My recommendation, if you're new to Campbell: watch the video. If you find yourself wanting more after 6 hours of fencing with Moyers; read the book. If you don't make it through all 6 hours, skip the book, it is more of the same.