Originally written by Campbell in the '40s-- in his pre-Bill Moyers days -- and famous as George Lucas' inspiration for "Star Wars," this book will likewise inspire any writer or reader in its well considered assertion that while all stories have already been told, this is *not* a bad thing, since the *retelling* is still necessary. And while our own life's journey must always be ended alone, the travel is undertaken in the company not only of immediate loved ones and primal passion, but of the heroes and heroines -- and myth-cycles -- that have preceded us.


From AudioFile
Campbell's unique perspectives examine the world's complex and interwoven mythology, folklore and religion, providing an understanding of the essence and genesis of humanness. Blum allows the listener to focus on the content of Campbell's words. All stories are told in plain narration except the Irish myths, for which Blum attempts a slight brogue without success. Slight pauses, musical interludes, plus announcements help distinguish the sections of the text. P.A.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

ANNOTATION

A look into the variety of hero myths and the similarities that run through different cultures by making use of psychology and folklore.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The amazing, best-selling exploration of world myth and the individual soul's development that has changed millions of lives and was the focus of the recent Bill Moyers special on PBS.

SYNOPSIS

Although they are perceived as two different concepts, "fact" and "fiction" are really opposite sides of the same coin—two ways of expressing the same truth. According to the brilliant scholar and writer Joseph Campbell, myth is the way a culture becomes reconciled to the universal truths of human existence—the joys and sorrows, pains and pleasures of life. In short, it is a philosophical text, but one which reveals truth in symbolic terms.