The Hero with a Thousand Faces: Commemorative Edition (Bollingen Series (General))

About this book

Joseph Campbells classic cross-cultural study of the heros journey has inspired millions and opened up new areas of research and exploration. Originally published in 1949 the book hit the New York Times best-seller list in 1988 when it became the subject of The Power of Myth a PBS television special. Now this legendary volume re-released in honor of the 100th anniversary of the authors birth promises to capture the imagination of a new generation of readers. The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating path of contemporary life. Examining heroic myths in the light of modern psychology it considers not only the patterns and stages of mythology but also its relevance to our lives today--and to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence. Myth according to Campbell is the projection of a cultures dreams onto a large screen; Campbells book like Star Wars the film it helped inspire is an exploration of the big-picture moments from the stage that is our world. Offered for the first time with beautifully restored illustrations and a bibliography of cited works it provides unparalleled insight into world mythology from diverse cultures. It is a must-have resource for both experienced students of mythology and the explorer just beginning to approach myth as a source of knowledge.