Men and the Water of Life: Initiation and the Tempering of Men [Hardcover]

Michael Meade (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1993

Teacher/mythologist Meade offers a celebratory, multi-generational exploration of what it means to be a man. A collection of dramatic, provocative, and witty tales from the African bush, ancient Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Russia are interspersed by the accounts of contemporary men, providing a rich mythic heritage from around the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In an effort to balance all the self-actualization books aimed at women, Meade successfully compiles international legends and myths that allow men to examine themselves objectively. This, Meade hopes, will help us avoid the chaos and ruin that occurs when a society no longer contains a relevant mythology, much as Joseph Campbell observed. The book is most effective in its use of ancient stories to illuminate conflicts modern men may experience. For instance, one story tells of a boy and a half-giantess who brews all the elements of creation in her cauldron. The boy steals food from her, symbolizing the partaking of wisdom, which helps him to become a full-fledged adult. Through such tales, the author examines how men can learn to understand their inner landscapes. For large psychology collections.
- Michael Tierno, New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

A multicultural mythologist marks a vital new phase in contemporary men's work by telling personally moving, universally evocative tales--from the mythic mating dance of an adolescent's Saturday night to a Forest of Stories from the African bush, ancient Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Russia. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 442 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (June 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062505424
• ISBN-13: 978-0062505422
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DEEP AND MEANINGFUL INFORMATION, August 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Men and the Water of Life: Initiation and the Tempering of Men (Paperback)

Through myths and ancient stories, Meade takes readers through the stages in a man's lfe. The initiatory events as detailed in the stories allow for a re-examination of childhood issues from a different perspective. Meade's writing is clear and concise, as is his obvious commitment to men and their healing. This book is a must read for anyone (not just men) wishing to gain deeper insights into our collective and individual psyches.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Meade transcends the "Men's Movement", April 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Men and the Water of Life: Initiation and the Tempering of Men (Paperback)

Like Joseph Campbell, Michael Meade understands the mythic meanings of our human story and illuminates our sometimes shadowy roles as men in modern society. Michael doesn't pander to anyone and his insights go beyond the touchy, feely, washed out views of masculinity of the latter 20th century. This book is a treatise on the core of true masculinity, which honors and nurtures all of life. It is a book I am proud to have grace my book shelves.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars can't do without it...., May 27, 2000

By 

Craig Chalquist, PhD, author of TERRAPSYCHOLO... (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men and the Water of Life: Initiation and the Tempering of Men (Paperback)

....if you want to understand men. Celtic storyteller Michael Meade has put together a remarkable blend of ancient stories and modern insight into the psychology of the development of men from boys. Can't recommend this one enough.