The First Storytellers (The Power of Myth, Vol. 3) [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Joseph Campbell (Author), Bill Moyers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1992

Campbell discusses the importance of accepting death as rebirth as in myth of the buffalo and the story of Christ, the rite of passage in primitive societies, the role of mystical Shamans, and the decline of ritual in today's society.

Campbell: "The ancient myths were designed to harmonize the mind and the body. The mind can ramble off in strange ways and want things that the body does not want. The myths and the rites were means of putting the mind in accord with the body and the way of life accord with the way nature dictates."
Moyers: "So these old stories live in us?"
Campbell: "They do indeed. The stages of human development are the same today as they were in the ancient times. As a child, you are brought up in a world of discipline, of obedience, and you are dependent on others. All this has to be transcended when you come to maturity, so that you can live not in dependency but with self-responsible authority."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JOSEPH CAMPBELL (1904-1987) was a prolific writer, dedicated editor, beloved teacher, inspiring lecturer, gifted storyteller, avid scholar, and a foremost interpreter of myth. Among the many books he wrote and edited, he is best known for The Hero with a Thousand Faces, his four-volume The Masks of God, and his magnum opus, Historical Atlas of World Mythology.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Highbridge Audio; Original audio format edition (November 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942110951
• ISBN-13: 978-0942110951
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,949,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Books on Cassette > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Myth & Folklore

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buffalo Legends and Ecstatic Dances, March 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Storytellers (The Power of Myth, Vol. 3) (Audio Cassette)

Why would you want to buy just one cassette for about $8.00, when you can buy all six tapes for approximately $24.00? But for those who prefer this program to the others, I guess you save some money. "The First Storytellers" conversation explores accepting death as rebirth using the Indian buffalo myth and the Christian story of Christ; the rite of passages in primitive societies; the role of Shamans; and the decline of ritual in modern times. The Indian Buffalo myth is a wonderful metaphor of rebirth, but also highlights the reverence the Indian felt toward the animal. Animal and Human relationships are discussed at the start of the program; it begins with the hunt. The ritual and Shaman conversations are powerful, short pieces. There is a feeling that Campbell (or maybe the listener) needed about 5 minutes more on each topic. Campbell is fluid though; so everything fits and follows. From a business perspective, this tape may be useful for those interested in organizational transformations and cultures; it provides a classic framework. I can't imagine anyone studying either organizational concept without a bit of Campbell background.

5.0 out of 5 stars Smashing!, May 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Storytellers (The Power of Myth, Vol. 3) (Audio Cassette)

This is truly a smashing book, filled with such vision. Cambells five straight years using his reading technique served him right. The content and expressions are so alive. I would reccomend this to anyone.