Rating: 
Summary: The best book I have ever read!
Review: All I wish is for everyone in the world to read this book in order to understand how humble, greatful and moved I felt(still feeling) after reading this book. Whe you read this book make sure you are prepare to a marvelous journey into the deepest part of yourself. God must of given Mr.Campbell the gift of understanding life and also the gift of shearing those experiences. wow!
Rating:
Summary: Insightful and revelatory!
Review: Campbell expertly investigates the various mainstream religions of the world and ties them together in an insightful and revelatory fashion that truly makes the reader feel as if his/her mind has been opened. At times a bit difficult get through, but it is largely very readable and very satisfying. If you are in spiritual crisis, this might be the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: A GREAT BOOK!!!
Review: I have read my copy three times now, and each time I have gained new insights, and uncovered more of my self. Joseph Campbell has said that the hero's journey always begins with a call. For many, this book may help you hear that call. Light bulbs will go off when you read this book. For those of you familiar with Campbell's work, you know what I mean. For those of you who don't, find out!! "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -- Joseph Campbell "The heroic life is living the individual adventure." -- Joseph Campbell
Rating:
Summary: The Book I Quote Most Often
Review: I know of no set of readings produced in the 20th Century that can so certainly be read again and again with new life during every reading. Just the set of quotations from Campbell at the beginning of the book are worth its price. Buy the hardback, ribboned edition for you will be reading and referring to this volume again and again.
Rating:
Summary: The Privilege of a Lifetime....
Review: I was first introduced to this book after I had knee surgery and was forced to lay on my butt and keep relatively inactive. I have to admit, I was feeling a little sorry for myself thinking and feeling that somehow I was being cheated by the universe in some way. So my friend comes over with this book and starts reading me sections out of it... He reads outloud, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are..." Immediately my consciousness elevated. I said, "What did you just say?" He repeated, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are..." "Oh, my...that's an amazing thought...oh, I really like that..." And even though he continued to read on, my mind and my heart stayed with that one nugget of pure gold. I let this idea permeate my whole being. It was just what I needed to hear. My surgery was not about punishment, it was about using it in a way that would/could serve me in greater ways than I was able to forsee at the time. My friend left and I immediately hobbled over to the computer and ordered this book. In about three days (interesting symbology itself) it arrived and I began to not just read this book but devour it with all of my heart, mind, and soul. I really feel that the essence behind the words contributed greatly to my healing...not just with my knee, but in other areas that I might have previously let go unaddressed. I give copies of this book to people for their birthdays and I always inscribe this message, "....because the privilege of a lifetime is being exactly who and what you are!" Let this and the other wondrous truths that can be discovered in this beautiful book sink into your mind, your heart, and soul.Remind yourself that it is a privilege of a lifetime to be who you are and then attempt to realize with real eyes that this is the truth of everyone and everything despite what the appearances may look like! Facts change but the Truth lives on forever...
Rating:
Summary: Like listening to a wise and trusted friend
Review: I was hooked after the first sentence: "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are". Campbell talks to us about work and love and the meaning of life with such clarity that we can't argue, or say "Yes, but..." When Campbell is just talking (and not in college professor lecture mode) he gives tidbits that are reminiscent of Lindbergh's "Gift From The Sea". "Let the world be as it is and learn to rock with the waves." And maybe you can learn something about people in your life. "In choosing your god, you choose your way of looking at the universe. There are plenty of gods...The god you worship is the god you deserve." This is definitely a book to keep and re-read. My favorite thing about it is that you can flip through it, or let it fall open, and you'll find something worthwhile. You don't have to read the whole book all at once to 'get it'.
Rating:
Summary: Like listening to a wise and trusted friend
Review: I was hooked after the first sentence: "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are". Campbell talks to us about work and love and the meaning of life with such clarity that we can't argue, or say "Yes, but..." When Campbell is just talking (and not in college professor lecture mode) he gives tidbits that are reminiscent of Lindbergh's "Gift From The Sea". "Let the world be as it is and learn to rock with the waves." And maybe you can learn something about people in your life. "In choosing your god, you choose your way of looking at the universe. There are plenty of gods...The god you worship is the god you deserve." This is definitely a book to keep and re-read. My favorite thing about it is that you can flip through it, or let it fall open, and you'll find something worthwhile. You don't have to read the whole book all at once to 'get it'.
Rating:
Summary: A Joseph Campbell Companion for beginners
Review: If you've never read anything by Joseph Campbell, this is a wonderful place begin. With the master's illuminating perceptions about the process of spiritual awakening, our struggle to come into awareness & the art of living in the sacred, the poet Diane K. Osborn has gathered a lovely assortment of beautiful & profound writings. Deeply rewarding & makes a great gift.
Rating:
Summary: The Divine Lives Within You
Review: It is helpful if the reader already has an appreciation for the author's breadth and depth of understanding of mythology before beginning A JOSEPH CAMPBELL COMPANION. It is particularly useful if one is familiar with Campbell's belief that certain mythic motifs are found in virtually all of the world's traditions. Much of A JOSEPH CAMPBELL COMPANION is written in the easy conversational style of the author . It is highly readable and relies very little on scholarly jargon. The parts of the book I find most interesting are those pages devoted to a discussion of Buddhism and the relevance of some of its teachings for all of us.
Rating:
Summary: books to live by
Review: Normally avoiding these types of "companion" works, I usually prefer the complete books and/or essay collections of such seminal thinkers as Campbell. Not so in this case. This work proves to be an elegant, comprehensive tour of the mind of the really important J.C. I was surprised to come across as many typos as I did, but this did not terribly distract from an otherwise awesome book, certainly not enough to avoid giving it a five-star rating.
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