Our Summary

First published in 1949, this dense, sometimes impenetrable, and somewhat controversial book on comparative mythology takes a tour through world folklore to tease out common themes and archetypes.

What I learned From It

What George Lucas was thinking when he wrote Star Wars. If you want to understand Hollywood’s obsession with this mode of storytelling, you should read this book. If you’ve heard other writers talk/evangelize/fret about the “Hero’s Journey” and you’re not exactly sure what they’re talking about, you should read this book. If you have even the most passing interest in commercial Western storytelling, you should read this book.  Also see “The Writer’s Journey” by Christopher Vogler.

Rich.