This book is incredibly insightful in capturing the essence of the human existence. Not only does Joseph Campbell illuminate the monomyth and the hero's travel, but at the same time, out own existence. It is easy to see why it has inspired countless individuals, for instance, Star War's George Lucas.

Although Campbell's research and evidence he presents is valid and compelling, the intellectual manner in which he presents it, may be confusing to individuals unaccustomed to such reading (that's to say, he is wordy at times. Think of Yoda , "Faith I have in you Young Skywalker," now think of a rambling Yoda, "The uttermost confidence, I have, as stars surly show themselves at night, in you, young skywalker. Yeesssssss." This, as you may see, can cause some confusion. It may be, that the reader will have to examine the passage more than once, to capture the words Campbell exposes to them. It may be in the reader's best interest to have a webster's dictionary nearby, to quickly decipher any imposing and 'scary' words.

However, this small downside to Campbell's masterpiece, should not deter anyone away from absorbing the wealth of knowledge present in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Likewise, the reader should also acclimate themselves to the myths Campbell provides, it should provide for a more through and enjoyable read.



T. Smith

June/14/2009