topics: |  anthropology | sociology | philosophy | myth

Among his many gifts, Joseph Campbell's most impressive was the unique
ability to take a contemporary situation, such as the murder and funeral of
President John F. Kennedy, and help us understand its impact in the context
of ancient mythology. Herein lies the power of The Power of Myth, showing
how humans are apt to create and live out the themes of mythology. Based on
a six-part PBS television series hosted by Bill Moyers, this classic is
especially compelling because of its engaging question-and-answer format,
creating an easy, conversational approach to complicated and esoteric
topics. For example, when discussing the mythology of heroes, Campbell and
Moyers smoothly segue from the Sumerian sky goddess Inanna to Star Wars'
mercenary-turned-hero, Han Solo. Most impressive is Campbell's encyclopedic
knowledge of myths, demonstrated in his ability to recall the details and
archetypes of almost any story, from any point and history, and translate
it into a lesson for spiritual living in the here and now. --Gail Hudson