The Hero with a Thousand Faces: Commemorative Edition (Bollingen Series (General))
Joseph Campbell | 2004-02-17 00:00:00 | Bollingen | 496 | Fairy Tales
Joseph Campbell's classic cross-cultural study of the hero's journey has inspired millions and opened up new areas of research and exploration. Originally published in 1949, the book hit the New York Times best-seller list in 1988 when it became the subject of The Power of Myth, a PBS television special. Now, this legendary volume, re-released in honor of the 100th anniversary of the author's birth, promises to capture the imagination of a new generation of readers.
The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology, the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating path of contemporary life. Examining heroic myths in the light of modern psychology, it considers not only the patterns and stages of mythology but also its relevance to our lives today--and to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence.
Myth, according to Campbell, is the projection of a culture's dreams onto a large screen; Campbell's book, like Star Wars, the film it helped inspire, is an exploration of the big-picture moments from the stage that is our world. Offered for the first time with beautifully restored illustrations and a bibliography of cited works, it provides unparalleled insight into world mythology from diverse cultures. It is a must-have resource for both experienced students of mythology and the explorer just beginning to approach myth as a source of knowledge.
Originally written by Campbell in the '40s-- in his pre-Bill Moyers days -- and famous as George Lucas' inspiration for "Star Wars," this book will likewise inspire any writer or reader in its well considered assertion that while all stories have already been told, this is *not* a bad thing, since the *retelling* is still necessary. And while our own life's journey must always be ended alone, the travel is undertaken in the company not only of immediate loved ones and primal passion, but of the heroes and heroines -- and myth-cycles -- that have preceded us.
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This is one of the most influential books of the 20th Century that few have read. Buy it, it needs to be in everyone's library.
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a truly great book for writers and others. If you read this you can really understand why we need story and that happiness comes from the difficult things in life - not the easy. I will never play the lottery in my life again :)
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nothing more to say, but that this book changed my look on life. You will understand where true happiness comes from.
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This book is incredibly insightful in capturing the essence of the human existence. Not only does Joseph Campbell illuminate the monomyth and the hero's travel, but at the same time, out own existence. It is easy to see why it has inspired countless individuals, for instance, Star War's George Lucas.
Although Campbell's research and evidence he presents is valid and compelling, the intellectual manner in which he presents it, may be confusing to individuals unaccustomed to such reading (that's to say, he is wordy at times. Think of Yoda , "Faith I have in you Young Skywalker," now think of a rambling Yoda, "The uttermost confidence, I have, as stars surly show themselves at night, in you, young skywalker. Yeesssssss." This, as you may see, can cause some confusion. It may be, that the reader will have to examine the passage more than once, to capture the words Campbell exposes to them. It may be in the reader's best interest to have a webster's dictionary nearby, to quickly decipher any imposing and 'scary' words.
However, this small downside to Campbell's masterpiece, should not deter anyone away from absorbing the wealth of knowledge present in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Likewise, the reader should also acclimate themselves to the myths Campbell provides, it should provide for a more through and enjoyable read.
T. Smith
June/14/2009
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I heard of this book from conversations with fellow Star Wars fans, I made a search about the author and his bio convince me of buying the book. I have not finished it yet, but so far is incredible. Very complex, you must have at least a background in psychology, antropology, mythology and world history to go trough it, but you will enjoy it, an awesome book, and this monster was released back in 1948! Campbell was a master in this field, this book is the very proof of that. If you like this stuff, get it, you won't be disappointed.
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