The Hero's Journey - (Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) 3rd Edition by Joseph Campbell (Paperback)

About the Book

In what amounts to Campbell's only spiritual autobiography, this beautifully crafted collection of conversations, interviews, and outtakes from the "The Hero's Journey" documentary reveals and illuminates Campbell's personal and intellectual journey. Warm and relaxed, Campbell is first seen sipping Glenlivet and encouraging his mentee, Cousineau. Then, as described by "Publishers Weekly," "the book ranges widely, from Cro-Magnon art to Arthurian legend...as it follows Campbell from his Catholic boyhood and early interest in American Indians to his years in Paris and Munich." Readers listen in as he meets Jung (who discusses the meaning of the Hindu syllable, "Om"); hear Campbell quip, "if marriage isn't a first priority in your life, you're not married"; and learn the genesis of Campbell's trademark, "follow your bliss." As Richard Adams wrote, it reveals "at every turn fresh aspects of his genius, wisdom, and understanding."

Book Synopsis

Joseph Campbell, arguably the greatest mythologist of the twentieth century, was certainly one of our greatest storytellers. This masterfully crafted book interweaves conversations between Campbell and some of the people he inspired, including poet Robert Bly, anthropologist Angeles Arrien, filmmaker David Kennard, Doors drummer John Densmore, psychiatric pioneer Stanislov Grof, Nobel laureate Roger Guillemen, and others. Campbell reflects on subjects ranging from the origins and functions of myth, the role of the artist, and the need for ritual to the ordeals of love and romance. With poetry and humor, Campbell recounts his own quest and conveys the excitement of his lifelong exploration of our mythic traditions, what he called "the one great story of mankind."

Review Quotes

"A fascinating series of dialogues with Joseph Campbell, revealing at every turn fresh aspects of his genius, wisdom, and understanding. I hope this much-needed book will be widely read and pondered."
--Richard Adams, author of Watership Down

"We don't have enough personal history regarding Joseph Campbell, so [this] book fills a real need."
--Michael Murphy, cofounder of the Esalen Institute

"Blissful! Illuminating! The voice of the master storyteller himself...An outstanding introduction to the great teacher and personalizer of our myths and muses."
--Noel Riley Fitch, author of Sylvia Beach and the Lost Generation

"These stories reveal how [Campbell's] sense of the oneness of mythology began and grew over the course of his long and event-filled life journey. As we read them, we experience the warm human presence of a man who spent his life learning from others as well as teaching. Recommended."
--Library Journal

About the Author

Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) is widely credited with bringing mythology to a mass audience. His works, including the four-volume The Masks of God and The Power of Myth (with Bill Moyers), rank among the classics in mythology and literature.

Phil Cousineau is an award-winning writer and filmmaker, teacher and editor, lecturer and travel leader, storyteller and TV host. He has written and co-written numerous books on religion, travel, and mythology, including The Art of Pilgrimage and Once and Future Myths. He lives in San Francisco.

Stuart L. Brown was the executive producer of (and driving force behind) the popular documentary film The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell. He lives in Northern California.