Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction [Paperback]

Murray Stein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 1998

C.G. Jung's ideas continue to be of interest to many readers. Murray Stein, a longtime Jungian therapist and author, provides readers with an accessible introduction to the essential Jungian ideas. A major challenge to anyone who is trying to understand Jung's thought is the piecemeal way in which Jung communicated his ideas over his 60-year career - the result was 18 volumes of dense, often repetitious, prose. Stein provides a unified, comprehensive summary of Jung's vision of psychological and spiritual life. Written in a user-friendly style with lively anecdotes and helpful examples that illustrate some of Jung's abstract ideas. This text covers: the collective unconscious; human consciousness and the structure of the ego; synchronicity; the complexes; shadow; psychic energy; self; persona; individuation; and anima/animus.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Probably the best one-volume English language summary of Jung's thought. . . Stein develops the cartographical metaphor of the title by beginning with the "surface" (ego) of the psyche and exploring successively more complex areas, including complexes, libido thoery, shadow, "anima/us," the self, individuation, and synchronicity. The map soon resembles the multidisciplinary chart of a solar system more than it does a flat map. In each subject area, Stein draws heavily on papers that Jung wrote late in his life, but he sets these in the context of Jung's earlier developing thought. This method allows the author to demonstrate the interconnectedness and coherence of Jung's mature work. -- Choice, 10/15/98

Stein could just as aptly have named his introductory guide "Jung's Art of the Soul," for the course the founder of analytical psychology charted also has the intuitive sweep of an artist on an inner journey integrated within a systematic framework of techniques. Though acknowledging Jung's creative, intuitive approach to fathoming the mysteries of the individual and collective human psyche, the author presents a solid case for the basic coherency and empirical underpinnings of the great psychoanalyst's theory-counter to those who viewed him as more of a mystic or philosopher who espoused: "As within, so without." Territory consciously omitted from this psychic map concern his analytic practice and interpretation of culture, history, and religion. Organized like a graduate thesis, all the major concepts that evolved over Jung's lengthy career are lucidly summarized with some contextual details: ego-consciousness, complexes, libido theory, archetypes, persona/shadow, anima/animus, the self, individuation, and synchronicity. While this presentation is eminently more accessible than most Jungian texts-and Stein does preface it with personal remarks about his long-time attraction to Jung-those who seek a sense of Jung's own voice and personal development in his quest for answers to many of life's enigmas will have their appetites whet to explore further. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (December 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812693760
• ISBN-13: 978-0812693768
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,332 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Primer On Jungian Psychology, June 17, 2001

By 

Jon G. Jackson "j_dog_jackson" (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction (Paperback)

This book is based on a lengthy lecture series by Stein given at the Chicago Jung institute. The lectures are truly outstanding! The book is outstanding! But, having heard Stein explain these things out loud makes the book seem more distant, somehow. That's still a strong recommendation! Stein is one of my favorites of the current generation of Jungian analysts. He also has a seminary degree, and (in true Jungian style) some of his best works are on the psychology of religion. In this book, Stein intelligently explains most of the basic (and some not-so-basic) Jungian concepts. Even if you're familiar with these, Stein's perspective is worth examining. He has a number of unique things to say, and he says them well.

The recorded series is still available from the Chicago Institute, and it's now available on CD (and cassette). Hey, but listen up! There's also another long audio series by Stein which is well worth pursuing: "A Psychological Interpretation Of The Bible." I've read and heard many, many Jungians on themes like this. Stein is absolutely one of the very best! As much as I truly love most of Edward Edinger's books on Biblical themes, this series by Stein is even better! It really is remarkable. I'm hoping that, someday, it will finally find its way in print.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jung - Best concise introduction..., March 15, 2006

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction (Paperback)

This is the best concise guide to Jung that I am aware of. Every chapter is engaging and the author's deep understanding and ability to express Jung's ideas comes through vividly on every page. I also like that Stein quotes Jung liberally to illustrate important points and places Jung's ideas in context. Jung is sometimes difficult to interpret because of how he approached various subjects during different periods of his life and because of his writing style. This book cuts through the potential confusion, gets to the point and also adds value in terms of depth beyond just presenting basic concepts. If you want a good introduction in Jung's own words, then Aion is probably a good alternative. However, I think this book adds considerable value beyond just reading Aion or Carl Jung's other works randomly. If you want to read some works by Jung that are more accessible, then you may enjoy reading his lectures. These are often easier to understand than his books. There are also some nice collections of Jung's writings by topic.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 27, 2009

By 

tasneem husain "TassuH" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction (Paperback)

Typically, I find it difficult to read Jung or read interpretations of Jung's philosophy because the concepts are so complex and/or the writing is poor. This book is an exception. Murray Stein presents a coherent, and informative analysis. I initially borrowed the book from the library, but after reading the first two chapters I decided that this is a book I'd like to own. I bought the book so I can write in it, refer to it as questions arise, and reread it as my life progresses and my understanding of life deepens.