Old Age Journey Into Simplicity [Paperback]

Helen M. Luke (Author), Barbara A. Mowat (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1988

In this classic text on aging wisely, the renowned Jungian analyst Helen M. Luke reflects on the final journeys described in Homer’s Odyssey, Shakespeare’s King Lear and The Tempest, and T. S. Eliot’s Little Gidding, and also on suffering. In examining some of the great masterpieces of literature produced by writers at the ends of their lives, she elucidates the difference between growing old and disintegrating and encourages us to grow emotionally and mentally in this culminating stage of our own lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Whether we are old or young, she has important and poignant things to say to us all... -- Toinette Lippe, editorial director, Bell Tower --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

In this classic text on aging wisely, the renowned Jungian analyst Helen M. Luke reflects on the final journeys described in Homer's Odyssey, Shakespeare's King Lear and The Tempest, and T. S. Eliot's "Little Gidding," and also on suffering. In examining some of the great masterpieces of literature produced by writers at the end of their lives, she elucidates the difference between growing old and disintegrating and encourages us to grow emotionally and mentally in this culminating stage of our own lives. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Morning Light Press (March 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930407059
• ISBN-13: 978-0930407056
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For All Ages and for All Time, June 24, 2001

By 

L. A. Robinson "lauriedefresno" (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Old Age: Journey into Simplicity (Paperback)

Like her former partner Robert A. Johnson, Helen Luke is a master of rendering the psychological meanings in great literature understandable and relevant to all people wishing to gain a deeper level of understanding about the growtn of the human soul. Having plumbed the depths of her own psycho-spiritual aging process(Such Stuff As Dreams are Made On), Ms. Luke has created a work fusing literary scholarship and personal experience into a guide for all of us to follow towards the inevitable. When the time comes for me to plant my oar (read her interpretation of The Odyssey)and turn towards the life of prayer, song and storytelling I will be eternally grateful to have had this wonderful Wise Woman as my guide. Deserving of a wide readership.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone Turning 60 Should Put This on Their Amazon Wish List, October 30, 2009

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Lindsay N. Bowker "We Are The Angels We Have ... (Stonington, Maine) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Old Age Journey Into Simplicity (Paperback)

A wise and thoughtful guide to the beauty and joy of aging, to taking up a new and important role in community and family life and to the soul's final journey in this life. A bonus for those who love Shakespeare whose last plays she draws on to discuss these important themes. It's the kind of book you read over and over again, each time drawing more deeply from her rich reservoir.

5.0 out of 5 stars Carry This Book With You Unto Death, December 5, 2011

By 

Miss Pam (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Old Age (Paperback)

I have read this book several times. I'm re-reading it again. Some would call the material dense. I call it rich. I think I started my first reading of "Old Age" when I turned 60. Now I'm almost 70. I picked it up again yesterday and thought, "Yesss! This is just right for me now." I feel nurtured and guided every time I read it. A caution--this book is not for sissies. If you use botox, don't bother reading it.