Customer Reviews

The King Within: Accessing the King in the Male Psyche

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Robert Moore and Doug Gillette published 5 books (that I know of) on their theory of 4 male archetypes. The first is an overview entitled: "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover." They followed up this fine introductory work with a book on each of the 4 archetypes. This one is, of course, on the King Archetype. Each of the 4 books has a completely redundant section (worth reading once, anyway), but also has much material on the particular, titled, archetype. The names of the archetypes are defined a bit differently than society might define them--moving the descriptions into the worlds of psychology and mythology which the two authors are well-versed in. If you read one, you "should" (I dislike that word, but what can you do?) read all of them. Otherwise, you get a skewed view of the archetypes, the authors' works, and the theory they propose. I like "The King Within" very much. It provides not only description of the archetype but some ramifications and ideas as to how to implement or invoke it. I found the book uplifting and see the glass as half full. The authors provided the rationale and some means of implementation of the Mens' Movement. Not only are these books valuable to men, but they are, perhaps, even more valuable to women who wish to interact and support men. They are a wonderful addition to the literature and to humans understanding themselves and each other.

Students of Dr. Moore have eagerly awaited this part of his continuing series that explores the mapping of the human personality. The complete series with even my partial understanding of theory has illuminated my reading of classical text, theology and brought an understanding of modern events. Dr. Moore's work is not for the casual psycho pop fan and critical to the serious student of personality and faith.

Having set the stage with their book King Warrior Magician Lover, our two authors delve deeper into what they call the central facet of a healthy male psyche, the King.

Copious examples of King qualities ranging in leaders from the Far East to American shores are given in the middle of the book which are actually quite enlightening and though similar to one another, not redundant.

Some time is spent, thankfully, explaining Jungian Archetypal theory, and the role said theory plays in the authors' development of their central argument, that a man desires to access the Archetypal King without completely identifying with the role. Again, thankfully, the authors make it clear one should 'access' the King energy without completely identifying with the Archetype...which could land one in a psychiatric ward in short order.

In addition, chapters are devoted to the Shadow sides of the King, the high chair Tyrant and the effete Weakling. So our two writers do us justice by pointing out the complexities one faces when attempting to access this King energy.

So, the goal ultimately becomes not to be King (which after all, in the day and age we are living in, would only last one day) but rather to be a 'Generative Man' who, accessing King energy, empowers and inspires those around him and uses the destructive energy of the King to aid those who most need help.

It is said when one is ready, the Teacher(s) will arrive.

I was ready. Are you?

Drawing on a massive body of Study - this book has highlighted much of
my life experience and set it in a context that has allowed me to make better sense of it. I am about halfway through it and am happy to give this review on what I have read so far. It really is allowing me to know myself and by doing so be true to what I know - I am 53 years old and starting to come "online".

one of the most insightful and interesting books i have read about the archetypes. highly recomended it. you should read it and pass it on.

Robert Moore & Douglas Gillette
The King Within:
Assessing the King in the Male Psyche

(New York: Morrow, 1992) 336 pages

An attempt to derive the admirable 'masculine' personality traits
from Carl Jung's archetype of the king.
Of interest mainly to committed Jungians.

If you would like to discover better books on 'masculinity' and 'femininity',
search the Internet for the following bibliography:
"Best Books on Gender-Personality".

James Leonard Park, creator of the Gender-Pattern Chart.