In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.
This revised and expanded edition of 'The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien' includes over 150 previously unseen letters, providing new insights into Tolkien's life, his family, and his literary works. The letters, edited by Humphrey Carpenter and assisted by Christopher Tolkien, cover a wide range of topics, including the composition of 'The Hobbit', 'The Lord of the Rings', and 'The Silmarillion', as well as his personal life, professional relationships, and family matters. This collection is a valuable resource for both scholars and fans, offering a detailed portrait of Tolkien as a storyteller, scholar, and individual[1][2][5].
This collection of Rumi's poems, translated by Coleman Barks, delves into the spiritual and mystical aspects of Rumi's work. It includes poems that reflect Rumi's experiences with love, loss, and spiritual growth, particularly his relationship with Shams-e Tabrizi. The poems are known for their lyrical and accessible language, making Rumi's profound spiritual insights available to a wide audience. The book highlights Rumi's teachings on the oneness of God, the importance of love, and the transcendence of dualistic thinking.
Book of Longing is Leonard Cohen's first new poetry book since 1984's Book of Mercy. It contains erotic, playful, and provocative poems along with line drawings and artwork by the author. The poems were written during Cohen's time at a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy in California and during his visits to India in the late 1990s. The book also includes some lyrics from his albums Ten New Songs and Dear Heather. The poems are characterized by their timeless, meditative, and sometimes darkly humorous nature[1][3][4].
Bittersweet is the story of India Taylor, a stay-at-home mom who has dedicated her life to her family. However, when she meets Paul Ward, a Wall Street tycoon, she begins to question the sacrifices she has made and the life she has chosen. With Paul's encouragement, India starts to rediscover her creativity and courage, leading her to make heart-wrenching decisions that change her life forever. The novel explores themes of freedom, dreams, and the complexities of relationships[1][3][5].
In 'Quiet', Susan Cain presents a comprehensive argument that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people. She charts the rise of the 'Extrovert Ideal' and explores how it permeates various aspects of society, including workplaces, schools, and social interactions. Cain draws on research from biology, psychology, neuroscience, and evolution to demonstrate that introversion is common, normal, and valuable. The book offers advice for introverts on functioning in an extrovert-dominated culture and advocates for changes to support and recognize the contributions of introverts. It also distinguishes between introversion, shyness, and anti-social behavior, and highlights the unique strengths of introverts, such as deep thinking, persistence, and excellent negotiation skills.
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