The book is really the transcript of an interview Bill Moyers did with Joseph Campbell before his death in 1987. The interview is divided into several sections with varying focuses, such as 'heroes', 'marriage & love', and 'finding your bliss'. It is formatted in question and answer style, and is really an engaging and easy read, despite the weight and depth of the subject matter.

The best way to sum up this book is to say that in it, Joseph Campbell shows the importance of mythology in the development of global human culture, as well as tying modern events and mythological figures to classic tales and heroes.

This book is excellent for introspection and illumination. Campbell makes you think, and helps you understand so much of who we are, and what makes us tick. I believe it is also a wonderful book for any writer to read, because it truly helps you get a handle on deeper meanings behind fictional archetypes.

Honestly, there was nothing I did not like about this book, but I suppose if I had to pick just one thing, it would be Campbell, himself. I loved the easygoing manner of the interview, itself, and his love and reverence for mythology and its deeper meaning was completely infectious.

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Enlightened. From the very first page, I was nodding at Campbell's words. It almost felt as though I'd found a mentor or a guide in him, and I wish that I'd discovered his work sooner.

Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

It gives the reader a sense of heritage, a sense of belonging to something larger than his/herself. From a writer's perspective, it offers insight into the deeper meaning behind the role of many common fictional archetypes.

I truly regard Joseph Campbell as a visionary. It is not often that you find someone so open, yet so focused at the same time. As I read this book, I got the sense that Campbell truly understood the meaning of life, and that is also a rare thing.

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Created May 01, 2006 at 3:14am • Submit your own review...