Customer Reviews

Jung's Map of the Soul: An Introduction

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was in my early twenties when I first discovered Jung. In the past 20 years I have been reading Jung, Kant, schopenhauer and others to obtain a good grasp. I have been determined to read books written by Jung since I was not interested in understanding Jung through others. This book was my first reading about Jungian psychology explained by some one else. It is a fantastic read. Stein provides a comprehensive in-depth analysis of Jung's insights and thoughts in a very clear and enjoyable text. Loved it and wished had read long ago. It would have kicked me years forward with my self studies.

...to Jung's often complicated thought. The description of the structure and dynamics of the Self was particularly clear and readable. Recommended. -- Craig Chalquist, M.S., creator of the Thineownself self-exploration site.

This has been a very effective overview and introduction into Jung's work. I expect to explore further, but this would be a good investment of time before you explore Jung's writings. You will get an overview of key concepts, definitions, and relationships, which I believe are necessary in order to put his work in context. As a person that is new to this level of depth is analysis of the psyche, this was a solid introduction. Very good for introductory to moderate readers on the subject. I can't speak for more advanced users, as I am not one.

This provided an excellent introduction to Jung for me (a lay person) but it could use a pointer to some follow-up at the end. It leaves the reader with the thought: "Where do I proceed from here?", directly into the mass of Jung's works?

Starts great - very clear and concise primer to Jungian-style psychology. The metaphor of a map of the mind helps ground the description. But unfortunately it all falls apart at the end as Stein goes down the same road of mistakes as Jung did. They want so badly to justify religious beliefs that the archetype of the "Self" becomes a "psychoid" thing that exists outside of the mind, and is equivalent to a real God figure that is somehow using us to become conscious of itself.

Why not just use Jungian psychology to recognize that the projections of the Self archetype onto the more mysterious aspects of the cosmos and nature of time are just that - projections. The Self is a regulating function of the mind, period. Why does it have to be so much more? This is not scientific at all. All these conjectures about the Self being truly transcendent are just more mistaken projections and desperate justifications for the writer's particular favorite flavor of religion.

If you can take the ending, and it's conclusions, with a grain of salt and see them for what they are, the beginning 2/3 of the book is really great and does a good job of describing Jungian concepts.