The Power of Myth

This is possibly the fifth time that I have bought this book. I first came across it, and Joseph Campbell, in the late 1980s when his interview with Bill Moyers was televised. At the time, I was in my twenties, living in a very isolated house without mains water, electricity or a road, and in a bit of a mess. I watched this programme and as soon as I heard Joseph Campbell’s voice I knew that he was a teacher, in the true sense of the word, and that I would learn from him. The interviews spanned, what seemed to be, all of human experience and belief and I suddenly felt connected to something fundamental and true, explained by someone with compassion and intelligence. Reading it is certainly an experience of standing on the shoulders of giants and Campbell is a colossus. I remember being left with this sense after the programmes had finished being aired but, due to my circumstances, I couldn’t find out any more about them or the man who had been at the centre of them. Then, to my relief, a friend found this book which is the transcripts of those conversations. I have had a copy of the book since then, read it regularly and have given it to friends. As an artefact, it is a good book to hold and look at as there are illustrations carefully chosen to support the important points. I recently bought a copy for my son who was born 10 years later after I first came across it. He will no doubt find his own message within it and is already talking about the chapter about the hero’s adventure. When I talk with him about it and listen to the thoughts he has, I remember that all of us should be supported and encouraged to ‘follow our bliss’. Thank you, Joseph Campbell.

An extraordinary conversation between Moyers and Campbell that unravels and unravels and opens up the mind more and more to what is going on around oneself. The importance and necessity of stories is expertly pulled apart, repackaged and pulled apart again. Such as is the nature and explanation of one's consciousness and interpretations of form and non form. Brilliant stuff.

I really enjoyed the book setting into context the myths around religious and cultural story we hold dear how they have shaped our modern world

I'd never heard of Joseph Campbell (or Alan Watts) until watching Elliott Hulse on Youtube who is a Strength coach /Strongman competitor who has embraced philosophy and a holistic lifestyle. Very enlightening but doesn't bring peace of mind. As Elliott says if your waiting for life to start at some point you'll run out of time.

Standout complimentary material to the series of interviews by Moyers to the late Joe Campbell. You'll find magnificent insights cut out from the televised interviews due to time constraints. A great starter book to anyone who is interested in mythology and the works by the author.

For anyone that likes to think more deeply about why we think the way we do. An excellent summary of the ideas that shape our thinking about identity, purpose and our place in the universe.

Excellent book which I am eager to begin it is the next on my list to be read

This is a helpful introduction to Joseph Campbell - a good jumping-off point to become acquainted with his ideas and his lifelong quest to unearth the hidden truths and meanings behind the world's mythologies. However, on the negative side, this work is presented as a dialogue between Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers, and (IMHO) the subject matter loses something from this format.