Review by Choice Review
This lively conversation between the late Joseph Campbell, a major comaparative mythologist of the 20th century, and Bill Moyers, a highly respected journalist, took place in 1985-86 at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch and at New York's Museum of Natural History. In this companion work to the PBS television series, we get a good deal more than the series was able to show; thus, those viewers who enjoyed the six-hour special, as well as the many readers of Campbell's myth studies, can gain from this work a fuller understanding of Campbell's wisdom, deftly brought out by Moyers's intelligent questions. One question from Moyers sets in motion Campbell's formidable scholarship, with specifics from cultures throughout the world and time. Campbell's remarkable storytelling and teaching powers are revealed as his mind moves from ancient Hindu scriptures to James Joyce, from biblical stories to Luke Skywalker, from Lao-tsu to Black Elk. We see Campbell's abiding love and respect for humankind, his awe and delight in the created universe, and his youthfulness and vitality as he revels in the last stage of his own life. Campbell is the hero on his own voyage of discovery. This well-bound book on lovely paper with helpful illustrations from art is highly recommended for all libraries. N. B. Palmer Western Maryland College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
