Synopses & Reviews
This journal chronicles the disillusionment and revelation that would change the course of Joseph Campbell's life and study, and his transition from professor to counterculture icon.
Review
"Campbell interrogates his own prejudices, dismantles them and builds the foundations of what has become an influential way of thinking about the world's religions." Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
After ten years of intensive study of Indian art and philosophy, Joseph Campbell, at 50, finally embarked on a journey to India. Searching for the transcendent (Brahman), he found instead stark realities: growing nationalism, religious rivalry, poverty, and a prevalent culture of what he called baksheesh,” or alms. This journal chronicles the disillusionment and revelation that would change the course of Campbells life and study, and his transition from professor to counterculture icon. Balancing Campbells astute explorations of mythology and history are his often amusing observations of a sometimes frustrating alien culture and his fellow Western travelers. This account also includes personal photographs, specially commissioned maps, and illustrations redrawn from Campbells own hand.