Gods in Everyman: Archetypes That Shape Men's Lives

I recently finished reading Jean Shinoda Bolen's book on archetypes in women over 50 and found it to be exceptional. I purchased other of her work and this one on men's archetypes is providing me, as a woman, insight into the male behaviour. I find it to be very informative. She has a way of describing the archetypes that grasps your thoughts and runs with them.

One of my favorite Jungian authors has written a book that I keep giving away. I have given it to young fathers trying to understand their sons, I have given it to friends trying to understand themselves, I have given it to collegues trying to understand their patients, and I give it to myself by reading every now and then.If you want a framework, a language, a reference point to understand and discuss men's issues....this a great book. I used it in a workshop I led for psychiatric residents and for three years heard references to it in our discussions and supervision.

This book, together with its companion volume "Gods in EveryWoman" have been foundational in my understanding of my experience of clinical depression. The experience of Persephone speaks very powerfully. Following her myth through I also found that Hades and Dionysus spoke powerfully as well. I have either bought or borrowed every book or article she makes reference to in my myths and some she doesn't. Her evocation of those Gods and Goddesses does justice to all the sources I have found. This is profound stuff.

This book provides incredible insight for every novelist who has a central male character in his book. Based on Jung psychology, it explains why American men are like they are today and what they are becoming tomorrow. Also a great tool to analyze the politicians!

I am hardly a literary critic. I'm just a 38 year old husband and father and the product of an extremely unfortunate childhood. I bought this book and couldn't put it down. If you're a guy, you'll find yourself described among the author's pages and you'll see yourself a bit differently as a man. It's really refreshing and inspiring. I know my life has changed. If you're a woman, you'll probably understand the man you love, whether he's your mate, your son or father, a bit better. It's a great book. :