The Power of Myth (Paperback)

by Joseph Campbell (Author), Bill Moyers (Collaborator) "Why myths? Why should we care about myths?..." (more)
Key Phrases: lean monster, planting cultures, father quest, Star Wars, Garden of Eden, Middle Ages (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Among his many gifts, Joseph Campbell's most impressive was the unique ability to take a contemporary situation, such as the murder and funeral of President John F. Kennedy, and help us understand its impact in the context of ancient mythology. Herein lies the power of The Power of Myth, showing how humans are apt to create and live out the themes of mythology. Based on a six-part PBS television series hosted by Bill Moyers, this classic is especially compelling because of its engaging question-and-answer format, creating an easy, conversational approach to complicated and esoteric topics. For example, when discussing the mythology of heroes, Campbell and Moyers smoothly segue from the Sumerian sky goddess Inanna to Star Wars' mercenary-turned-hero, Han Solo. Most impressive is Campbell's encyclopedic knowledge of myths, demonstrated in his ability to recall the details and archetypes of almost any story, from any point and history, and translate it into a lesson for spiritual living in the here and now. --Gail Hudson

Review
"The symbols of mythology and legend are all around  us, embedded in the fabric of our daily lives, and  the Moyers-Campbell dialogues are a welcom guide  to recognizing and understanding their meanings."  -- Cincinnati Post. -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 293 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; Later printing edition (June 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385418868
• ISBN-13: 978-0385418867
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,864 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #2 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Folklore

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

144 of 157 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An fine introduction to Campbell's work, May 4, 2001

By	J. Remington "John Remington" (Adams, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Since this book is basically the transcripts from Bill Moyer's excellent televised interviews with Joseph Campbell, "The Power of Myth" frequently comes off as a "Reader's Digest" coffee table condensation of Campbell's life and work. Since the interview, by its very nature is limited in its scope and focus, "The Power of Myth" simply does not possess the depth of Campbell's other work.

This really is no matter as what is present provides the reader with a fine introduction to Campbell's passionate devotion to World Myth. Campbell's life thesis, that man posseses the innate desire and need to create myth, is a compelling idea the binds us all to ourselves and each other.

"The Power of Myth" is NOT to be taken as a religious tome. In that context, it certainly does come off as a cockeyed New Age concoction of non-commitment. It is meant, however, to be taken as a work of deconstructionist literary criticsm that seeks to celebrate the common threads running through all cultures and perspectives.

Campbell openly celebrates man's ability to imagine as well as his devotion to ideas. He does not seek to debunk or trivialize the devout (one must be careful to realize this as they read Campbell). His scholarly intent as I see it, is to encourage and nurture the seed of faith inherent in all and encourage everyone to embark on their own heroic adventures of discovery.

"The Power of Myth" serves as an excellent bibliography of sorts as it lists the many great folktales and religious texts which demand re-reading. Campbell urges his audience to read for themselves and search for their own discoveries.

If one is searching for a far more in depth study of myth, I cannot praise enough Campbell's excellent "The Hero With A Thousand Faces". As is, "The Power of Myth" is a fine starting point.

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A mind opening book that makes you smile from the heart, June 21, 2000

By	Earl Hazell (New York) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Of my two favorite memories of Campbell's talks with Bill Moyers of PBS, which is what this book transcribes and encapsulates, the one that comes to mind is an introduction between Campbell and a Catholic Priest, perhaps a Cardinal, that he retells. After they are introduced and the Priest is told who Dr. Campbell is and a little about his life, he asks him, "Are you still Catholic?" To which he replies "No, Father." He then asks- and Campbell was impressed by his specificity- "Do you believe in a *personal* God?" To which Campbell replies, "No, Father."

The Priest then replies, almost as if to engage in a debate and denigrate the atheist's worship of the rational mind uber alles simultaneously (and an atheist is what you are led to assume he thinks Campbell is), "Well, I guess there is no way to logically prove the existence of God." And Campbell answers, calmly, "If there were Father, what would be the value of faith?"

"It's been a pleasure meeting you Dr. Campbell, have a nice day."

Regardless of your faith, interest, background or education, you will find yourself in the same shoes of that Priest when you read this. Campbell's erudition and knowledge of the many ideas, subtexts and similarities inherent in the world's treasure trove of mythology is daunting to say the least, and his approach is designed to have it all make sense to the modern human's heart. THE POWER OF MYTH may be the best Campbell book to serve as the doorway to his world, his incredible mind, and the eternal wisdom of mythology, as it manifests itself in every culture- not to mention our personal lives.

To say it will make you think is almost denigrating it; it will make you ponder. It will lead you (after quite possibly confusing the hell out of you, as you try to absorb it into a preexisting way of thinking that may become obsolete via what he teaches) to wonder the way children wonder. And in the end, you will smile from the soul, not just the heart. I highly recommend this as a Joseph Campbell and Mythology primer- and recommend HERO OF A THOUSAND FACES after this has whet your appetite's soul.

42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A nice, mild, slow-burning rapture.", June 23, 2001

By	G. Merritt (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The right word to describe this 287-page dialogue between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell is "powerful." Although it may not have the depth of HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES, this book is nonetheless engaging. These 1985 to 1986 interviews cover a lot of ground, as Campbell contemplates subjects including the inner journey, ancient myths, sacrifice and bliss, the hero's adventure, and love and marriage. Along the way, readers will find words to live by: feel the rapture of being alive (pp. 4-5); face life's trials, and find new possibilities in the adventure of being alive (p. 49); and follow your bliss (p. 156), for example. "Sit in a room and read--and read and read," Campbell says. "And read the right books by the right people. Your mind is brought onto that level, and you have a nice, mild, slow-burning rapture all the time" (p. 122). This book will surely appeal to thinkers, dreamers, artists, or anyone who appreciates stimulating conversation about what it means to be fully alive.

G. Merritt