About the author
Joseph John Campbell (March 26, 1904 – October 30, 1987) was an American writer and the husband of Jean Erdman. He was a professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College who worked in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His work covers many aspects of the human condition. Campbell's best-known work is his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), in which he discusses his theory of the journey of the archetypal hero shared by world mythologies, termed the monomyth. Since the publication of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell's theories have been applied by a wide variety of modern writers and artists. His philosophy has been summarized by his own often repeated phrase: "Follow your bliss." He gained recognition in Hollywood when George Lucas credited Campbell's work as influencing his Star Wars saga. == Life == === Background === Joseph Campbell was born in White Plains, New York, on March 26, 1904, the elder son of hosiery importer and wholesaler Charles William Campbell, from Waltham, Massachusetts, and Josephine (née Lynch), from New York.
📖 Where to start with Joseph Campbell
💬 What our editors say about Joseph Campbell's books
“Campbell’s exploration of bliss provides a compelling framework for understanding life’s deeper currents, though it demands patience. The text weaves mythology and philosophy into a cohesive narrative about authentic living.…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On Bliss
“This text succeeds as a clear and inviting introduction to Campbell’s foundational concepts, distilling complex ideas about the Monomyth into an accessible format. It is perfect for beginners eager to explore how universal…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On the Hero's Journey
“This collection offers a compelling synthesis of Campbell’s wisdom, presenting love as a fundamental force rather than simple sentiment. While intellectually stimulating for those interested in archetypal analysis and spiritual…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On Love
📋 Editions by Joseph Campbell in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Bliss | 2025 | New World Library | 120 | 9781955831109 |
| On the Hero's Journey | 2025 | New World Library | 120 | 9781955831116 |
| On Love | 2026 | New World Library | 120 | 9781955831123 |
| Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine | 2013 | New World Library | 304 | 9781608681822 |