Golden Ass of Apuleius: The Liberation of the Feminine in Man (C. G. Jung Foundation Books) (Paperback)

~ Marie-Louise von Franz (Author) "Before we go more closely into the content of The Goldens Ass, let us bring to mind what we know of the life of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: positive mother complex, negative mother complex, sadistic boy, Roman Empire, Virgin Mary, Catholic Church (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Today there is much discussion of the liberation of women, " writes Marie-Louise von Franz, "but it is sometimes overlooked that this can only succeed if there is a change in men as well. Just as women have to overcome the patriarchal tyrant in their own souls, men have to liberate and differentiate their inner femininity. Only then will a better relationship of the sexes be possible." It is this timely theme that Dr. von Franz explores in her psychological study of a classic work of the second century, The Golden Assby Apuleius of Madaura. The novel recounts the adventures of a young Roman who is transformed into an ass and eventually finds spiritual renewal through initiation into the Isis mysteries. With its many tales within a tale (including the celebrated story of Psyche and Eros), the text as interpreted by Dr. von Franz is a rich source of insights, anecdotes, and scholarly amplification.

About the Author

Marie-Louise von Franz (1915–1998) was the foremost student of C. G. Jung, with whom she worked closely from 1934 until his death in 1961. A founder of the C. G. Jung Institute of Zurich, she published widely on subjects including alchemy, dreams, fairy tales, personality types, and psychotherapy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570626111
• ISBN-13: 978-1570626111
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186,582 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, May 3, 2008

By	V. L. Williams "vlwpatrbc" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great amplification on an acient text. References to the original text are brief and it would probably benefit the reader to have a translation of the original text as well as Von Franz commentary.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're a gay man..., January 9, 2008

By	David K (Vashon, WA United States) - See all my reviews

do yourself a favor and read this book. There's no better insight into the gay male psyche, and understanding it, than this masterpiece by von Franz. Not that that was her intention in writing the book, but the book's theme, the development of a healthy relationship to the inner feminine, is something many gay men need to experience. If I had to choose reading Jung over von Franz I'd take Marie Louise any day. She has a way of conveying instantly the ideas that Jung labored over presenting in an academic fashion, which is understandable, given his role as the grand wizard.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity and Depth, September 27, 2005

By	D. Wolf (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can't say enough good things about M-L von Franz. She is not only gifted with great insight, but she is a terrific teacher. Her writing is clear, and the subject is endlessly fascinating. I am of the opinion that if a person truly understands his/her subject, he/she should be able to explain it clearly and fully. There is no question that von Franz understands her subject, and she writes it in a way that is accessible to everyone, whether they have studied Jung for years or are interested in an introduction to his thought.