Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (Star Wars)

Book Description

Star Wars(r)TM has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions and millions of people like no other story of our time. This official companion volume to the landmark exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum explores the mythological roots of the Star Wars saga, a story that will continue to unfold into the next millenium.

Written by the exhibit's curator and illustrated with hundreds of photographs, drawings and images, Star Wars(r): The Magic of Myth illuminates this modern tale of the ageless and mythic battle of good versus evil.

Customer Reviews:

The Need for Myth.......2007-07-06

Ms Henderson has taken from many, many sources to present a succinct analysis of myths from the past, works by many scholars, and today's world in order to show the need for all of us to have myths in our lives. Beginning with George Lucas' journey to creating Star Wars, moving into the cultural milieu in which the films were made to the that which the audiences brought and continue to bring, the author gives us the "reasons" for the motivation and then success of the 3 and later 6 movies done by Lucas. The book is well-illustrated with scenes from the movies, storyboards of its development, and art representing other myths, stories and legends of many cultures and times. A fantastic book for anyone looking for the core ideas of Lucas and his greatest work.

great book.......2007-02-17

If you enjoy any of the books by Joseph Campbell and are a Star Wars fan, then this is the book for you. It covers everything from Greek mythology and Zen Buddhism to the Cowboy archetype and the uniforms of World War 2. Most of the artwork is incredible (many pics from the "Art of Star Wars" books), and there are tons of detailed photos from the Smithsonian tour, which I was lucky enough to catch at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts many years ago. I only wish they had waited a few years until the entire Prequel Trilogy was completed before they published this book!

A wonderful book..........2006-07-31

Within this book I would say this incredible look into the mix of Mythology, History and Star Wars that I have ever seen. A great companion Book to the "Magic of Myth" exhibit.. and it would make a great companion book to the Joesph Campbell books "The Hero with a Thousand faces and "The Power of Myth."

Basically giving the impression of the origin of the Star Wars Films. How Lucas was influenced with all these ideas and made the films what they are today. How timeless the story really has been. Also available is some of the pre production artwork from the Classic Trilogy.

recommended!!.......2004-07-22

Excellent book with amazing pics of the props and unusual images from the movies from the OT. Fantastic!!

Great resource, fun read for SW enthusiasts........2001-04-05

If you've been lucky enough to see "The Magic of Myth" in one of its many permutations, this book is a great supplement to and a wonderful reminder of just how cool that exhibit was. If you haven't seen the exhibit, this book is still great to have for it's back-story on the origins of the trilogy.

I'm not the most well-read person around so it was a lot of fun to learn how Lucas' characters and story were shaped by (or copied from) myths and legends of other times and cultures. Reading this book has led me to explore some of the material that Lucas borrowed from in creating Star Wars. I'm a big SW nut, but it's nice to get my head out of the SW universe and out into other forms of art and literature.

If you don't feel like reading, this book is also full of GREAT photos from the trilogy.

Amazon.com

Luke Skywalker equals Roland, Ben Kenobi equals Merlin, and the Death Star is the minotaur's labyrinth. Without a doubt, George Lucas owes much of the phenomenal success and gut-level resonance of his Star Wars series to a deft use of myth and universal archetypes. Fans of Joseph Campbell (and anyone else who's spent more than two shakes analyzing Lucas's Wookiee-subtle use of symbolism) won't find more than superficial insights in Star Wars: The Power of Myth, but by all means, don't let that keep you from the fun. Kids--and anyone who loves to analyze the similarities between Stormtrooper armor and 15th-century Gothic battle gear--will quickly find themselves engrossed in this picture-heavy survey of intergalactic mythology (despite maybe a bit too much emphasis on Western legends and, even less forgivable, The Phantom Menace).

Under headings like "Sacrifice and Betrayal," "Descent to the Underworld," and "Reconciliation with the Father," screen shots and detailed diagrams from the SW flicks (many recycled from previous DK books) share space alongside classical illustrations and neat-o closeups of lightsabers and blasters. Some connections come across seamlessly (we all knew Yoda was a Zen Buddhist), while others border on the sketchy (what does a Naboo N-1 fighter have to do with Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, anyway?). But DK's usual slick packaging and clean presentation makes up for any faults, making this a more than reasonable--and likely even educational--acquisition for young fans. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Explore the myths behind your favorite characters in Star Wars and Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Every civilization on Earth has told mythic stories to answer life's big questions. Star Wars: The Power of Myth is a photographically illustrated guide to one of the greatest mythical adventures of the modern age: George Lucas's Star Wars saga. This book charts Luke Skywalker's "hero's journey" from his humble origins to the fulfillment of his quest to become a Jedi Knight, and looks at the rich traditions of world mythology that inspired the Star Wars stories.

Customer Reviews:

Star Wars Mythos for Children.......2007-07-13

I found the book useful teaching tool for introducing children (ages 3-11) to the characters and their mythic roles in the Star Wars saga. The book has great illustrations which correlate visually the similarity between historical and legendary heroes from history and myth. It helps draw the parallels between myth/history/and contemporary popular fiction.

Excellent for teaching about the heroic journey and Star Wars.......2006-12-01

I used this book in a class called "The Heroic Journey" - this provided my students with an excellent, simple yet useful set of concepts to begin to understand how they can apply Joseph Campbell's discussion of The Hero to the Star Wars trilogy. I was grateful to find something so simple, visually appealing, and well-structured that I could easily adapt to interactive lesson plans.

Great Book for kids and adults alike..........2001-09-06

The great thing about this book it that it's fun to read. It has a lot of pics about legends that are somehow similar to the events depicted on Star Wars. If you are a fan of the Star Wars films, or just a fan of mithology, you will love this book.

It's a great gift for children who are beginning to read, and are somehow familiar with Star Wars.

A book in which parallel lines DO intersect.........2000-07-12

This thin, colorful book is a trifle formula, yet despite this it reads itself very well (i.e., hard to put down). Its streamlined, "pure protein" format also make it a likely candidate for multiple, enjoyable perusals...

It's brief, it's light reading, and it's fun...

As Roger Ebert rightly observes, a large part of the SW appeal is its visual richness. The book captures and conveys this well: nicely choreographed presentations of lovely color illustrations illuminated by succinct descriptions of mythological parallels.

It is well-known that George Lucas wisely modelled his universe on the work of Joseph Campbell, (note title). The recurrent mythological themes in SW are sufficiently presented to make this book a nice gift for anyone interested in either subject, child or adult.

Recommended.

Complicated Star war myths explained for everyone.......2000-04-01

This book is besides a nice Star wars picture gallery alsoasplendid popular analysis of the Star Wars myths and legends. Theepisodes and various elements of the movies are compared with episodes in world history, the bible and Greek mythology ect. Luke Skywalker is paralleled with Wilhelm Tell, King Arthur and so on. Lukes companions and enemies and dominating themes as his relationship towards his father Darth Vader, treason, self-sacrifice and heroic deeds are compared with well-known existing myths and legends. World historical events is also clearly felt in the spacefighting (Second World War - Battle of Britain) and the pod racing in Episode One (Ancient Rome - Ben Hur in Circus Maximus). The Jedi-philosophy has many element from the Zenbudhism and the Imperial Storm Troopers are in many ways like medieval armoured knights. The book is nicely illustrated with lots of pictures from the movies. It will appeal strongly to children from 12 years and every Star wars-fan up 99 years. Star wars. The power of Myth will be a great help in guiding you through the rather complicated personal relationships and myths in the Star Wars universe of the four movies. Rasmus of 14 said to me: "Now I suddenly realize how everything works in the four movies and how they are linked together." I can clearly recommend this book to every Star wars-fan.

Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (Star Wars.)

Average customer rating:

A real gem
A unique insight into a marvelous saga
I CANNOT RECCOMEND THIS ENOUGH
THE TRUE NATURE OF THE FORCE
A Pleasure To Read

Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (Star Wars.)
Mary Henderson
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Genre Films | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0553102060
Release Date: 1997-11-03

Book Description

Star Wars(r) has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions and millions of people like no other story of our time. This official companion volume to the landmark exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum explores the mythological roots of the Star Wars saga, a story that will continue to unfold into the next millenium.

Written by the exhibit's curator and illustrated with hundreds of photographs, drawings and images, Star Wars(r): The Magic of Myth illuminates this modern tale of the ageless and mythic battle of good versus evil.

Customer Reviews:

A real gem.......2005-12-15

Yup . . . there's a good reason for why this book has a perfect rating thus far (at the time I write this). It's just a very very good book. Well written, insightful, colourful, compelling. The parallels it draws between the Star Wars universe and mythology are wonderful.

A unique insight into a marvelous saga.......2001-03-16

This book attempts to explain Star Wars in the context of patterns found throughout the mythology and legends of various cultures. The success of the film, the book claims, is due in no small part to the fact that the film's story is a composite of all the things that make mythical stories endure as myths.

To my suprise, however, I found the book to be an excellent commentary on mythology itself - the book is almost as informative in pointing out elements that repeat themselves in mythical stories - the concept of the "hero's journey" - with Luke being our hero - mystical forests as a place of healing (Degobah), etc, as it is in relating these elements to the story of Star Wars.

This book was written to accompany an exhibit of the same name at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington DC, and I was fortunate enough to see the exhibit on tour in San Diego last year. While the exhibit itself was amazing, and filled with various props and spaceship models used in the film, this book is actually more informative than the exhibit and stands exceedingly well on its own.

I love the Star Wars films, though I am certainly no hard-core Star Wars buff. I feel that just about anyone who, like me, loves these films will get a lot of enjoyment from this book.

I CANNOT RECCOMEND THIS ENOUGH.......1999-07-29

If you love star wars, and would love to see it analyzed seriously, but without being to heavy and dry, this is perfect for you. It discusses the correlations between myth and Star Wars, influences from around the world, etc. Its facinating, and beautifully laid out.

THE TRUE NATURE OF THE FORCE.......1999-03-31

I saw the exhibit in Washington, DC TWICE! It was so cool to see all the real space ships near this vision of another galaxy far, far away. The book is the perfect narrative to the exhibit and it is the ANSWER to not being able to get there if you live in another part of the world.

The images, text, and layout of this book take you on a journey like none before. A MUST HAVE BOOK to complete your collection of great STAR WARS merchandise.

A Pleasure To Read.......1998-10-19

I don't wish to repeat the words of others, but want to agree that it is an incredible book; that is not only fun to read as a Star Wars fan, but it is very informative and thought provoking. I truly learned a lot about mythology and its application in our world. Read it, and you will appreciate the genius of George Lucas.

Book Description

Paolo Hewitt, celebrated rock journalist and biographer of Oasis, The Jam and The Small Faces, has collected some of the best writings ever on mod: the music, the fashions, and the entire way of life.

Customer Reviews:

Cool collection .......2007-08-17

Its a cool collection of interviews, newstories, book excerpts, etc. Really concentrates more on peakcockish mods than hard mods. Definatley makes those early mods extremely fanatical.

Interesting, but Badly Designed.......2001-01-11

This collection of 31 excerpts from various works of music and cultural journalism, biography, and fiction seeks to shed light on the little-understood "mod" subculture. Hewitt has done well to seek out the relevant passages from a wide range of sources, although Richard Barnes' "Mods!", Nik Cohn's "Ball the Wall" and Johnathan Green's "Days in the Life: Voices from the English Underground 1961-1971" are each excerpted three times. The first-hand accounts of living the mod life are fairly uniform in their descriptions and as a whole tend to expose the mod subculture as a fairly empty narcissistic enterprise--albeit a sharp one. Only in "Ace Face" (and former Who crony) Pete Meaden's rambling 1978 NME interview is there any sense of a larger purpose, but then he comes across as a bit of a whacked-out dreamer compared to all the other sartorial hipsters. Still, worth reading if you're interested in the history of the mod subculture. It's a shame the publishers didn't devote any time or effort to the look of the book. From weak cover to atrocious typography, it exhibits none of the attention to detail that characterized the essence of mod style.

A sharp insight, superbly done.......2000-04-15

One of the finest books I have read in a long time, a very sharp look at the mod culture of which I was one, this book took me back to a time I had enjoyed and lived, I would recomend this book to any one who has followed the mod culture through all its rebirths over the last 40 years. If I had any critisism it would be a lack of photographs but this doesnt detract from the content of the book I have read it three times now, the first reading was accomplished in one sitting I could not put the book down.

great book for a great movement.......2000-04-04

a wonderful, richly detailed compendium of mod literature and philosophy by recognised experts. comes close to putting a finger on an elusive movement.

Book Description

A friend's father is trapped in the dungeon of a medieval castle. To rescue him, readers must travel through secret passages, navigate a siege, scramble across a battlement, and scale the keep in a series of ever more challenging mazes that reveal fascinating details about life in the age of chivalry.

Amazon.com

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."

The laws cull their principles from many great schemers--and scheming instructors--throughout history, from Sun-Tzu to Talleyrand, from Casanova to con man Yellow Kid Weil. They are straightforward in their amoral simplicity: "Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit," or "Discover each man's thumbscrew." Each chapter provides examples of the consequences of observance or transgression of the law, along with "keys to power," potential "reversals" (where the converse of the law might also be useful), and a single paragraph cleverly laid out to suggest an image (such as the aforementioned thumbscrew); the margins are filled with illustrative quotations. Practitioners of one-upmanship have been given a new, comprehensive training manual, as up-to-date as it is timeless.

Book Description

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

Customer Reviews:

Portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power........2007-09-16

When I first acquired this book, I delved into the text and was fascinated by what is never taught in school, hardly at work, even with people; as this book states wisely, many people would like to keep to themselves and therefore many who have power hardly share it, unless a deal is behind it. The book itself may be a paradox in parts, and the methods used may be controversial; yet it has the essential basic "training" in order to strive to the top.
Sometimes one wonders if this will work, or does this author fool us into purchasing this book. It may show a pessimistic world of beguile, secrecy, envy and greed; however this portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power.
Brilliantly written, with worthy examples of great thinkers, philosophers and military officials of history; this concise edition will keep you on the ground reading, whilst teaching you how to propel in the air and on top of the world.

USMC- Commandant's reading list.......2007-07-25

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm Army - 16yrs. From 2000 thru 2006 I was stationed in Okinawa and the best place for all service members to buy books so deployed (Amazon aside) was from the bookstore on Camp Foster (across from the movie theatre). For at least a good 6 months (in 2002) this book was prominently featured on the shelves with a tag identifying it as having made the USMC Commandant's Reading List (or, a book senior commisioned Marine Corps leadership consider beneficial to Marines (enlisted and commisioned) seeking guidance on professional development). Intrigued, I bought it. I won't go into a lengthy review here: in a nutshell; the book lists a series of TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) designed to maximize one's advantage when negotiating interpersonal realationships both professional and personal. Some of these TTPs involve elements of manipulation, subterfuge, and dishonesty that clearly cross the boundaries of unethical behavior. It bothered me not just a little that Marines or Soldiers (young and old) might consider using the advice in this book as means of advancing their careers or solidifying leadership positions within their respective units.

I do know some of the book's reccomendations are in direct conflict with The Army Values, and according to at least two USMC Staff NCOs (both good friends) this is also the case regarding their own code of professional conduct. One of the Marines in question wrote a letter (to whom -I don't know) expressing his concern. A few months later the book assumed a less prominent residence on the shelves. Nonetheless; I never failed to see it lodged in the odd bookshelf in someone's (usually an officer) professional space - from time to time. I consider its presence an indicator for stepping up one's vigilance when dealing with the books's owner.

Fabulous!.......2007-07-20

I bought this book for a good friend of mine, and he said it's excellent reading. I also bought him Blood On The Altar, which he took a peek at, and he said he looks forward to reading that as well.

Really Good Read.......2007-07-18

I thought the book was absolutely relevant to today even though the examples in most of the 48 laws were from historical occurances throughout history. Robert Greene blends many different learning methods, including fables, poetry, as well as regular prose to convey general life lessons that many of us learn the hard way. Some laws of power may be deemed unethical, while other simple, but the point is each and every one is true and relevant to accumulating power. By using this book you can protect yourself from extremely ambitious people, while executing your own ambitions as well. Great read to understanding the human psyche and its quest to be ambitious.

Robert Green writes another great book.......2007-07-16

In the 48 Laws of Power Robert Green examines the nature and use of power through the examination of classic figures in history. Every person has a relationship with power and the author has done an excellent job of defining the and categorizing the different aspects of power and perceptions thereof. Not all of the aspects of power or "Laws" are for everyone yet their existance and nature shoud be known by all. An excellent book a 'must' read.

Average customer rating:

A reference book for the original volume
very powerful book
Great literature
Be prepared
Essential survival kit for the naive

Concise 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: Profile Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Lawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1861974043

Customer Reviews:

A reference book for the original volume.......2005-01-30

This book is a slimmed down version of the original book, which I also own. It is paperback, 4.5 in X 6.5 in, and 195 pages, versus the original, which was 9 in x 6.5 in and 452 pages.

What it leaves out: All of the historical anecdotes and extensive examples of each law.

What it leaves in: The law, the Judgement (a short description), the Keys to Power (the author's direct description of the law and its consequences), the Image (a symbolic representation of the law), and the Authority (a supporting quotation). This book also has some of the stories that were printed in the margins in the original book.

I loved the original book, which typical had three or four long anecdotes, stories or historical references to illustrate each law. This book is useful as a easy-to-carry reference to the laws now that I have read the original. If, however, you really want to learn these laws, I recommend the original.

very powerful book.......2005-01-25

Only the noble deserve to have this knowledge. It is a bible everything in it is sacred to me. I own two copies and resort to it whenever I think about why people are doing the things they are doing. I find manipulators and liars all envying me, I spot weak depressed people looking for happiness and I know just what to do going through all this.

Reading this book changed my life so much for the better. It is not about being manipulative or immoral. We all have goals in life, this book gave me choices, and the competence to fulfill my wishes. It is a bible of power (whatever connotation for you does not matter) we all live in this world if we deny it or not.

I found the timeless ammoral laws, universal and the solutions to everything I had ever wondered about.

The history deals with stories, characters in books, western and eastern people dealing with problems and their solutions. I find all the problems I ever had someone in the past has already figured out the best solution. the fact I can read about them is a realization that other people have figured this out. Their solutions are timeless and perfect. People do not change, society does. The answers in this book are so clear

Great literature.......2004-07-07

In a nutshell, this book is like Machiavelli, without the boring context. This is a short-cut for historians. I was a history major and I am learning more about history, to include amusing anectdotes, than I did in college. In other words, this book makes history relevant, which is difficult. Maybe someday the author could make a boring subject like math relevent too. Every page oozes with wisdom, in my opininion. I have a very fast paced job and I learned a lot of these lessons the hard way.

Be prepared.......2004-06-03

Like it or not, people get more and more pragmatic in their everyday moral behaviour, so chances are high that you will be confronted with one or more of the 48 Laws of Power sooner or later. Don't let yourself be fooled by Christian rhetorics. Hypocrisy is now the standard -- if it wasn't already through the times. If you want to be wise and just, reading the 48 Laws of Power will help you.

Essential survival kit for the naive.......2004-04-06

Excellent book which is a must for everyone who are spectacular failures in all walks of life. In this book you will certainly find the answers for your failure to attain your potential .It is more than likely that you are violating one or more of these laws and / or you are not following the 48 excellent laws of Power.
The ancient wisdom is distilled in a clear and racy format which keeps your attention through out. Only regret that I did not find this book earlier. Brazenly honest book with none of the idealistic crap. A book to be lived by! for survival and beyond.

Average customer rating:

The 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OH99OC

Average customer rating:

48 Laws of Power

Manufacturer: PROFILE BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GUR5ZW

Average customer rating:

The 48 Laws of Power
Robert/ Elffers, Joost Greene
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OIYWT8

Average customer rating:

The 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: Viking Adult 1998
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MCDKTE

Average customer rating:

48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: PENGUIN PUTNAM @ TRADE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7JRM2

Average customer rating:

The EXP 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Success | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0733614973

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books