We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love [Paperback]

Robert A. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 1985

Provides an illuminating explanation of the origins and meaning of romantic love and shows how a proper understanding of its psychological dynamics can revitalize our most important relationships.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"WE retells the myth of Tristan and Iseult, one of the earliest romance tales, and uses it as a reference point to explain the essence and meaning of romantic love. Employing Jungian philosophy, Robert A. Johnson uncovers many of the unconscious beliefs about love shared by both sexes and shows how these attitudes are expressed symbolically in the Tristan myth. lie then breaks down the illusions we often have of love myths in themselves and beautifully redefines what love should and can be. An elegantly constructed, superior inquiry into the psychology of love." -- AKA Booklist

About the Author

Robert A. Johnson, a noted lecturer and Jungian analyst, is also the author of He, She, We, Inner Work, Ecstasy, Transformation, and Owning Your Own Shadow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (September 18, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062504363
• ISBN-13: 978-0062504364
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert A. Johnson, a noted lecturer and Jungian analyst, is also the author of He, She, We, Inner Work, Ecstasy, Transformation, and Owning Your Own Shadow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rosetta Stone of Relationships, June 18, 2003

By 

Namir C. Shammas (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love (Paperback)

I have spent many years reading books, talking to counselors, and talking to friends about relationships. Reading Johnson's book was a real eye opener, to put it very mildly. I have enjoyed the author's style in his other books where he presents a myth and discusses it's psychological meaning. This book is no exception, except that it's relevance is way off the charts. Before reading "We" I had all but thrown my hands in the air in frustration regarding relationships. The author's beautiful style drills deep and answers the many questions I had. Johnson's use of the Tristan myth told me what I did not want to hear, but the pain I have experience in relationship told me that Johnson was right on the money. The author's analysis of romantic love and the distinction he makes between passion and true love (which is more low key and may even come across as boring sometimes) spoke loud and clear. He made me realize that I have been searching out there in vain for so many years for lady soul, because lady soul lurked within my unconscious mind. Since reading this book I was able to connect with lady soul and have that symbolic marriage that Johnson talks about.

I highly recommend this book to each person who has a lot of questions about why relationships in our cultures are in a state of epidepic crisis. The author's answers may not be what you want to hear if you are a "zealous" romantic. If you are willing to stretch yourself and change, then Johnson's words are an excellent catalyst for changing your ways and heading in the right direction.

I consider "We" among the most relevant books by Robert Johnson, and among the most relevantt books by any author!

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A needed look at why love fails in the West, March 21, 2000

By 

J. Lyda (Raleigh, North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love (Paperback)

Having succumbed too many times to the call of romantic love (and later paid the price for believing it was authentic love)I found this book to be very helpful in understanding what was happening to me (or should I say what I was doing to myself.) The beauty of Johnson's view is that all the rich and wonderful emotions which arise during romance come from within us, not form the 'loved one.' This realization provides a sense of freedom and diviness which can be honored and brought forwards, in bits and pieces, into all of our relationships. I like the last line from the first review following: "The message here is that human love is attained when one accepts responsibility for his/! her own happiness or unhappiness and refrains from living out happiness through another human being." Well said!

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and Concise Story of Love, November 28, 1999

By 

rareoopdvds (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love (Paperback)

Robert A. Johnson sets up a wonderful analysis of the Arthurian romance of Iseult and Tristan. Each chapter tells a bit of the story, then the author goes into a dialogue on the implications of the story. Also citing other more obscure examples to demonstrate what 'true' love is and what is the 'heat of the moment' love. Scraping the surface of some issues on social commentary in which some of the problems of marriage and relationships in general derive from out not-understanding of what love is. Robert Johnson's best work to date, as well as one his most lengthy titles (by comparison).