Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion (Paperback)

~ Diane K. Osbon (Editor) "THE privilege of a lifetime is being who you are..." (more)
Key Phrases: esthetic arrest, yonder shore, revealing power, New York, Finnegans Wake, Grail Castle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Celebrated scholar Joseph Campbell shares his intimate and inspiring reflections on the art of living in this beautifully packaged book, part of a new series to be based on his unpublished writings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (May 12, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060926171
• ISBN-13: 978-0060926175
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like listening to a wise and trusted friend, November 16, 1998

By A Customer

I was hooked after the first sentence: "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are". Campbell talks to us about work and love and the meaning of life with such clarity that we can't argue, or say "Yes, but..." When Campbell is just talking (and not in college professor lecture mode) he gives tidbits that are reminiscent of Lindbergh's "Gift From The Sea". "Let the world be as it is and learn to rock with the waves." And maybe you can learn something about people in your life. "In choosing your god, you choose your way of looking at the universe. There are plenty of gods...The god you worship is the god you deserve." This is definitely a book to keep and re-read. My favorite thing about it is that you can flip through it, or let it fall open, and you'll find something worthwhile. You don't have to read the whole book all at once to 'get it'.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth may set you free but first it will piss you off!, March 7, 2001

By	E. E. Suranie "outgirlLA" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of the most challenging, thought provoking, mind bending, and soul calling books I have ever read. Campbell is so entertaining in his ability to simplify complex religious and social structures that it is not important to already know about the Far East, the Near East, or your local Baptist church, he brings it all into focus on a common human level. I found this book disturbing in it's ability to draw me into the wonder of being human and how utterly connected we all are. It's the kind of book that you can open to any page, read only a few lines, and be pulled into a thought that will chase you the whole day. Campbell is pithy, humorous, practical, fact filled, and inspiring. If you enjoy thinking about God, the nature of being human, or politics, BUY THIS BOOK!!!! You won't be sorry.

118 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great start on your journey to Joe Campbell & your bliss!, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Joseph Campbell Companion: Reflections on the Art of Living (Hardcover)

This is a great introduction to, or summation of, Campbell's works. Most of his works are extreemly deep and can be difficult to reach but well worth the effort. If you really want to probe the deapths of Campbell's work but are intimidated by his other books, this will give you a great overview and fire your desire to dig deeper.

I have read all of Campbell's books. The amount and breadth of the information and thier implications is staggering. The most amazing thing about this book is that I would have chosen almost exactly the same summative material for this type of book as did Osborn. My background is steeped in science--Osborn's in poetry. Yet we found the same "song of the universe" within Campbell's works.

Why? Because the song is transparent to the transendent and there for the everyone.