Amor and Psyche (Mythos Books) [Paperback]

Erich Neumann (Author), Ralph Manheim (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Bollingen Series | Publication Date: April 1, 1971

The renowned tale of Amor and Psyche, from Apuleius's second-century Latin novel The Golden Ass, is one of the most charming fragments of classical literature. Neumann chose it as the exemplar of an unusual study of feminine psychology. Unfolding the spiritual and mythical background of the pagan narrative, he shows how the contest between the mortal maid Psyche and the great goddess Aphrodite over the god Amor--Aphrodite's son, Psyche's husband--yields surprising and valuable insights into the psychic life of women.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Here we have a very subtle and suggestive analysis of the psychological characteristics of the feminine by the most brilliant disciple of C.G. Jung. . . . [T]he reading of this short book is a most enchanting and stimulating experience. -- The Journal of Pastoral Care

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (April 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691017727
• ISBN-13: 978-0691017723
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Skinny Book, Hefty Reading, February 14, 2007

By 

Carol Roberts (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Amor and Psyche (Mythos Books) (Paperback)

Discovering the psychology in mythology is an interesting quest. Neumann has written quite a few books on the subject and this is one with an emphasis on the feminine principle. Neumann traces the development of Psyche from her state of unconciousness, to growing need for conciousness, to becoming an active participant taking real action. I also recommend reading "Origins and History of Conciousness" first.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heavy dose of Jung with your Greek Mythology, April 11, 2009

By 

Edward J. Barton (Tukwila, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Amor and Psyche (Mythos Books) (Paperback)

The first part of the book is a retelling of the story of Eros and Psyche as originally told by Apileius. The story is familiar to most followers of Greek/Roman mythology - Psyche is a beautiful princess, Eros falls in love with her, but will not allow her to see him. She is tricked into doing so, then undergoes a series of trials to regain his heart.

The second part of the book is a commentary using Jungian psychology and archetypes to discuss the deeper meanings of the myth. It is a very heavy read, but worth the effort - particularly if the reader has familiarization with Jungian thought. Not for the faint of heart...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Birth of the Human Soul, August 17, 2010

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manojo - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Amor and Psyche (Mythos Books) (Paperback)

This really is a unique book. It describes how human beings first realised the difference between passionate love (symolised by Aphrodite) and love with the soul, soul being a new understanding (symbolised by Psyche - the first goddess who was born a human being). The original story was based on wisdom which had grown over many thousands of years, since man began. It also illustrates the crucial importance of the human soul and therefore is probably the most vital concept for our lives today when we are on the cusp between, needing so badly to move on from, just soulessly using people and things, or valuing and loving them. The meaning of the greek word Psyche is soul.

It is a deeply nourishing book.