Joseph Campbell: Shaman and visionary

Though criticized and spurned by a majority of the academic community, Joseph Campbell's writings and teachings on the subject of mythology have received an overwhelmingly positive response among diverse cross-sections of the non-academic audience in America and abroad. This essay explains the phenomenon of Professor Campbell's popular appeal through a thematic exploration of his work. Research materials were restricted solely to the writings of Professor Campbell himself and the minor use of three secondary sources. The purpose of this essay is not a critique of Professor Campbell's ideas, but rather a clear and accurate presentation of four key themes within his work responsible for his dramatic popularity and success.