The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell (1988-05-01)

I love this interview between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell. This was a gift to a young person close to going to college, as an introduction to thoughtful analysis, reflection,symbols, metaphors, and literature/myth.

Transcripts of talks between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers in 1987 on matters of mythology, ethics, and a whole bunch of stuff.
Not quite page-turning material, it will make you stop and think, sometimes several times a page.

The brilliant Professor Campbell asks, then answers -- clearly, and in sensible detail, just what is this thing we call mythology,
and do/did we have it, and because we have/had it, the meaning, our need of it. Mythology can be an elusive subject, but Prof Campbell will get you through it.

This book is an amazing read.... it changed my life and answered so many questions about the bible that I always had. It all makes sense now ....there are no contradictions in the bible when you stop taking every word LITERALLY! Opens a whole new world for the opened minded

This is the most significant enlightening and influential books I have ever read in my life. Required reading for all scholarly folks looking to make meaning in their spirituality and reconcile the dogma of religious fundamentalism and teachings as facts.

I had heard about Joseph Campbell on a podcast and was intrigued. This book was a great introduction to his thought process. I plan on reading other things by him. Bill Moyer also brought an interesting point of view to this work, and his being a part of the conversation helps new readers of Joseph Campbell grasp some of the topics a little easier.

The Power of Myth is compelling, ecumenical, educational, and extremely interesting.
Joseph Campbell changed my life. By reading this book, I learned the history of religion/myth and it's significance to us today.

A great read covering Campbell's thoughts on myths, religions and hero tales. It compares many stories from ancient tales, bible stories and modern popular movies and how they are so much a part of our lives. Should be required reading for everyone.

This series is mesmerizing. Although all scholars do not support Campbell's vision of the universal monomyth, one of the things at which Campbell excelled was the ability to excite our imaginations and to encourage us to read beyond the surface details of myths to try to derive some sense of their relevance in our own lives. He seemed to have had a natural, comfortable way about him and he helped to make mythology accessible to all of us. I studied classical mythology in high school using good old Edith Hamilton's work and while it was all very interesting it never seemed to help to generate any excitement about mythology. Campbell's personal views have become controversial but I think that it just goes to show that, as with every genius whose works I have studied, the work has to stand or fall on its own. Geniuses all seem to me to be very flawed people. I think that if we scrutinize the personal life of any genius we will find plenty to criticize. If you are interested in the Star Wars saga you will find a lot in the "Power of Myth" series to think about.

A brilliant book with interview of the late Joseph Campbell, by Bill Moyers- ​DVD's are also available, it was a recorded series some years ago-Campbell had an excellent mind and a strong sense of spirituality, encompassing all faiths, and such a great loss to the world. I would put it on my must read list!

This was an historical history of myth, however one who believes in "God" - may be mislead into thinking there is no God at least that is my opinion...there are many, many beautiful spiritual truths incorporated and I particularly liked the Native American Indian reflections.

Joseph Campbell was a genius in his field. He encouraged his students to question everything.
This temporary human experience is over faster than you would like - don't waste a moment on
negativity. Follow your bliss is his mantra and now mine. We are ALL infinite spiritual beings.

Really important literature for a curious mind. This book is a written interview with Mr. Campbell which makes these difficult subjects on society and religion accessible and human. I have bought several copies for my friends and relatives. A must read for an artist or anyone who has a desire for renewed faith in humanity.