The Meaning of Myth
Neel Burton is a psychiatrist who examines 12 Greek myths and their significance to the human psyche. At once erudite and accessible, it is an easy recommendation for novice students.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell is a very important work in our library. Campbell is the primary and best promulgator of the Hero’s Journey, and this is one of his seminal works.
Anatomy of the Psyche
Edinger is one of, if not the most important, thinkers to influence The Mythological Man curriculum and system, and few books are more important than Anatomy of the Psyche. This is deep work for students who have already completed other studies. Edinger masterfully weaves together psychology, mythology, alchemy, and more to create and explore the structures of the human mind.
Goddesses in Older Women
Goddesses in Older Women is the third and final installment of her excellent series, including Gods in Everyman and Goddesses in Everywoman. Bolen explores the archetypes of Greek goddesses as well as broader ones, such as the Crone, to understand women at an archetypal level. She likewise offers suggestions on how to identify and channel certain archetypes for success. As she writes, “When an active archetype rather than an external expectation is the basis for a role we take, there is depth to the choice.”
Kinds of Power
Kinds of Power by James Hillman is an excellent analysis of power from the perspective of its parts. The author and thinker - a giant in the field and extremely important within our own library - examines power in its components of ambition, leadership, charisma, and other components.
48 Laws of Power
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is an important book in the Mythological Man library. Greene surveys philosophies and people of power throughout history and offers the most significant synthesis of principles of power since The Prince.
Ego is the Enemy
Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday is an excellent book on an incredibly important topic. Inflated egos have led to wars and other calamities of global as well as personal proportions. Learn what ego is, and how to keep it balanced.
Stillness is Key
Stillness is Key, by the Stoic writer Ryan Holiday, is an excellent book and an important part of our curriculum.
Discipline is Destiny
Discipline is Destiny, by the Stoic writer Ryan Holiday, is an excellent book and an important part of our curriculum.
The Obstacle is the Way
The Obstacle is the Way, by the Stoic writer Ryan Holiday, is an excellent book and an important part of our curriculum.
Goddesses in Every Woman: Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives
“Gods and goddesses represent different qualities in the human psyche,” writes the author. “The pantheon of Greek deities together, male and female, exist as archetypes in us all, although the gods are usually the strongest and most influential determinants of a man’s personality, as the goddesses are for women.”
Gods in Everyman: Archetypes that Shape Men’s Lives
“Gods and goddesses represent different qualities in the human psyche,” writes the author. “The pantheon of Greek deities together, male and female, exist as archetypes in us all, although the gods are usually the strongest and most influential determinants of a man’s personality, as the goddesses are for women.”
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover is an excellent entry point for learning and understanding archetypes, but is also very appropriate for more advanced students.
Ego and Archetype
Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger is a primary and crucial text within the Mythological Man curriculum.
The Eternal Drama: The Internal Meaning of Greek Mythology
The Eternal Drama by Edward Edinger is a primary and crucial text within the Mythological Man curriculum.
Iron John: A Book About Men
Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly is an excellent and accessible work that uses archetypes, mythology, sociology, history, and more to diagnose what ails men today, while offering some solutions as well.
Heroes: The Greek Myths Reimagined
Heroes competes with Mythos as one of my two favorite books by Stephen Fry’s series, The Greek Myths Reimagined. An incredibly fun and captivating romp with Theseus, Hercules, Perseus and more.
Troy: The Greek Myths Reimagined
Troy is another excellent addition to Fry’s series on The Greek Myths Reimagined. An excellent entry point for beginners, and a fun take for the more experienced.
Odyssey: The Greek Myths Reimagined
A thoroughly enjoyable as well as educational retelling of Homer’s great work The Odyssey. Fry proves he’s a master again as he covers the entirety of the famous quest, while shedding light on so many parts and characters that often get glossed over.
Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined
Mythos by Stephen Fry is an incredibly joyful, fun, and cheeky romp through Greek mythology with a wonderfully erudite and enjoyable partner in the inimitable Mr. Fry. Highly recommended for beginners and experts alike.