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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read the previous review first, Jan 12 2006
This book is accessible to any reader because it is so well-written; not because it lacks intellectual credibility. Notice the previous reviewer made no reference to the ideas or arguments presented in the book; but instead chose to associate Campbell's work with popular science fiction in an obvious attempt to make the people who enjoy the book look stupid. Based on the content of the review, this reviewer has more experience with science fiction than with "mythography". My guess is that the reviewer has not read the book. Seems like the anonymous reviewer wanted to look and feel smarter than the audience who is inspired by Campbell's work, but wasn't sure enough about their remarks to leave a name. Three quotes for the genius from NYC: "All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree." "Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds." "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction." Albert Einstein Get it?
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1.0 out of 5 stars
I could only take reading a few pages of this book., May 5 1999
Wow, this guy is way out there he is brilliant, but what is a pain is that he doen't follow any one story through when he is discribing it. He trows in so many different sotries, parables, ect. and jumps around I had a very difficult time following what he was saysing. The Keys section of his book is worth the price of the book, it is about 4 pages long. And really good, I wish he could write the way he did in that section in the whole book, but unfortunately he did not. You have to be way way way into mythology to be able to make sense out of this book. Good Luck! I agree with the fisrt revewier, rent the trilogy.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It changes lives, Mar 6 2004
Consider for a minute, every movie that has ever touched your heart, every story that still moves you, or every hero/heroine that has inspired you. Every bit of magic in the world of story telling that you could not define or articulate. This is the logic behind it. And the logic in itself, is magical. This book makes every goosebump make sense. It will make you smile in recognition or gasp at the recall, and all in all, you see how the hero's journey is not just applicable to a Harry Potter or Luke Skywalker, but to your own life . This is not for people who are looking to be spoonfed, or who like their knowledge with a big dose of fun and excitement. Yes, it is pedantic, and it is long winded, but if you are patient, and do not require special effects to understand transformation of the spirit, this book will find a permanent place in your book shelf and you will feel rejuvenated everytime you read it.
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