Missed Fortune: Dispel the Money Myth-Conceptions--Isn't It Time You Became Wealthy?

Missed Fortune: Dispel the Money Myth-Conceptions--Isn't It Time You Became Wealthy?
Average customer rating:

FACTS the Insurance Agents Hope you NEVER KNOW

Get Your Fortune Back

Good read but be wary.

Although not for everyone, you would be remiss if you didn't learn the strategies.

Investment version of War & Peace

Missed Fortune: Dispel the Money Myth-Conceptions--Isn't It Time You Became Wealthy?
Douglas R. Andrew
Manufacturer: Business Plus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The New Rules of Money: 88 Simple Strategies for Financial Success Today

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Book Description

Missed Fortune. Dispel the Money Myth-Conceptions-- Isn't It Time You Became Wealthy?Why do people need this book?Financial independence. Wealth empowerment. Millions of people dream about prosperity, many even take steps to achieve it, but few actualize the goal. Why? Missteps - flawed strategies - something this book calls "money myth-conceptions."Missed Fortune empowers the reader with the knowledge to attain a greater degree of financial independence. Twenty-three reader-friendly chapters each reveal a wealth enhancement strategy that challenges common money myths, opening the way to personal prosperity.Who should read this book?Homeowners, IRA and 401k retirement plan participants, those desiring financial independence, retirees, and those already in a state of financial independence will all experience a meaningful transformation as they are enlightened by opportunities they didn't know existed.Why is Douglas Andrew an authority on this subject?As a successful financial analyst, lecturer and consultant for nearly 30 years, Douglas R. Andrew has enabled clients nationwide to dramatically increase their financial independence. His comprehensive knowledge of tax issues, experience in financial planning and unorthodox insight have proven an invaluable asset to thousands of individuals. In this book, he shares his tested recipe for enhancing financial liquidity, safety, rate of return, and tax benefits - with a unique ability to take complex financial issues and make them simple to the layperson.How is this book distinguished from other books on the topic?Rather than reporting on the attributes and habits of millionaires, this book outlines specific common sense, yet unconventional, financial growth strategies. These principles simply, thoroughly educate the reader on how to methodically reposition and leverage one's assets to substantially increase net worth. Readers are empowered by a clear plan for getting rich the right way - slowly and safely.

Customer Reviews:

FACTS the Insurance Agents Hope you NEVER KNOW.......2007-10-01

After readying this you will see the MOTIVATION for the Agents selling this line of BS, it will take most of you over 20 years to have any type of REAL NET return on your Life Insurance Policy. Want the TRUTH talk to an unbiased ACTUARY not a saleperson making a fortune off of your home equity. I am telling you when people finally realize what is taking place lawsuits will start to fly, IMO.

When did the Life Insurance Agent become a charitable organization?

Anyone who is believing this so called NEW way of thinking is either really bad with math or simply does NOT understand Life Insurance. There is a REASON you don't see REAL professionals using this concept they KNOW the TRUTH!!!

What is the ROI on my home Equity? MORE THAN ANY LIFE POLICY!!!!

After you learn how to subtract out all the commissions and fees, then the REAL cost of the death benefit, loan fees for your house loan fees for the life policy let's sit down and compare which approach works best. Having my house free and clear with NO COMMISSIONS to pay, no loans, and no INCREASING internal costs for the life insurance will BEAT any Life Policy I GUARANTEE IT!

Here is a shocker to reality. If you bought into this BS and mortgaged your house and placed the money into a life policy order a current statement for your policy showing the SURRENDER CASH VALUE in the first year, HOW MUCH did you LOSE? Then look at the 5th year how much have you LOST? Tenth year? Do the REAL MATH find out the REAL FACTS.

LIFE INSURANCE is one of the HIGHEST commissioned products in the financial industry FACT! Where do you think that money comes from, YOUR POCKET.

Here is a little KNOWN FACT there are currently MANY so called experts out there today TRAINING for a large fee many other life insurance agents how to SELL LARGE COMMISSIONED life insurance policies. They don't care if you need a policy or NOT they only care about SELLING a policy. Check the facts. Some are even paying for cruises for Seniors then encouraging them to apply for insurance. IT IS HIGHLY PROFITABLE to someone BUT NOT YOU the policyholder.

You will see many lawsuits in the coming years from these abuses when the you know what finally hits the fan.

By the way did you know that it was illegal for you stock broker to encourage you to take out a mortgage to buy a REAL INVESTMENT? It should also be illegal for Insurance Agents but it's not, well not YET, time will tell.

Where is Elliot Spritzer when you need him?

I wish more people would ask the harder questions before believing this new line of BS.

FACTS The INSURANCE AGENT want to hide from you: Insurance agents make about a 30-50% commission on term life insurance and around 90-95% commission on whole life products. Keep in mind that this is the first year commission on the premium and subsequent year commissions are much lower with an average of 6% per year for whole life products and 4% per year on term life insurance products.

One of the great problems with whole life is only an expert can tell if a policy you own or are considering will ever become a decent investment. James Hunt, actuary for the Consumer Federation of America, who has analyzed thousands of policies, notes that whole life policies hardly ever yield a reasonable return unless held for 20 years or more.
So if you buy one be prepared to pay into it for the very long haul.
The key to a whole life policy is its internal rate of return -- the yield on the policy after all fees and charges are subtracted. A competent analysis can determine at a minimum whether the weight of the fees and charges built into one of these policies will ever allow a worthwhile return. Such an analysis will also pinpoint the minimum amount of cash value that you can derive from a policy at any given time interval.
Some financial planners, actuaries and accountants can perform internal rate of return analysis on your policy. The Consumer Federation has a service that will do this, calculating the real return year by year and comparing it with other investments. The fee is $50 for the first policy, $35 for each additional. Call 603-224-2805 for more information.

Get Your Fortune Back.......2007-09-17

This is an excellent book with many examples of how changing your money management and especially you equity management strategy will result in greater wealth and safety in investing for you. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that the author belabors several points and essentially is just repeating the same material over and over. Other than that, the ideas and strategies are well worth looking at and the authors heart is in the right place.

Good read but be wary........2007-09-04

Like many of the other reviews, I agree the concept is interesting and makes sense for very specific cases. I would be causious of thinking this is for everyone who owns a home.

The concept in general is simple, which I like. If you can explain it to a 12 year old then I think you have a good grasp of the idea. Doug does a good job of breaking it down so that most of us can easily understand and probably explain it to a 12 year old. Applying it over the long term is something entirely different. In California most people do refinance or sell every 5 so years. This concept at least tells them to focus on saving rather than spending it, something that most Americans do not do well.

I would recommend reading it and understanding it but talking to several advisors and other people who have experience with this before acting.

Although not for everyone, you would be remiss if you didn't learn the strategies........2007-07-25

Much has already been said - to which I endorse this book's overwhelming ability to change the way you think. With that I also caution the need for clarity and focus in the execution of these strategies. I have been fortunate to meet with Doug and had him explain these strategies personally. Although these strategies could benefit everyone, not everyone is the same and thus differing results are inevitable. After having read this book, I not only implemented these strategies myself, but have integrated them into my professional practice and have clients grateful for the insights. To reiterate, these strategies are not for everyone. If you read the book I think it becomes self evident who it is not appropriate for, but may I allude to them as those who feel "equity is for consumption and not conservation".

Investment version of War & Peace.......2007-05-14

Very thorough with a tremendous amount of information and investment concepts. I read it in 3 1/2 days and have re-read several chapters.

Another Fine Myth/Myth Conceptions 2-in1

Average customer rating:

Mythical Madness
One of my favorite lighthearted fantasy series
I couldn't love this book anymore
Wonderful!
Good Book

Another Fine Myth/Myth Conceptions 2-in1
Robert Asprin
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Myth-ion Improbable (Myth Books)

ASIN: 044100931X
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Customer Reviews:

Mythical Madness.......2007-07-12

With the popularity of "Shrek" and "Harry Potter" I'm a bit surprised this hasn't had more of a resurgence. I read this series years ago and have wondered since why they weren't made into a series of movies. "Shrek" is along the same lines but not quite the same as the stories by Robert Asprin. If you want a good laugh be sure to read them. Full of puns, they center around an apprentice wizard named Skeeve and a large lizard like demon named Aahz from Pervect. Aahz takes upon the responsibility of training Skeeve when the master wizard that summoned him dies. They have some wonderfully funny adventures and meet all types of interesting characters. They live in a land of mythical humanoids and creatures. Great for all ages. These are two of the most entertaining books I have ever read.

One of my favorite lighthearted fantasy series.......2007-07-12

Perhaps one of the best fantasy series I have read(although there are a few bumps in the road of course), the Myth stories are much different than your standard epic fantasy novels.
Lighthearted and hilarious, Robert Asprin blends in his own humour into the entertaining narration and plot, but most of the humour stems out from his extremely loveable characters. By all standards, this is a great series, and one you surely do not want to miss.

I couldn't love this book anymore.......2007-07-07

One of the things that most interests me in novels are the characters. If the characters arent dynamic, interesting, and unique, I can't read the book.

Perhaps thats why I love comedy so much, and can hardly stand things like horrors.

The reason I am saying this is because the cast of characters in all of Robert Asprin's books are all of those things, plus they are loveable, flamboyant, and hilarious.

The plot line in his books are interesting yet hilarious, and its hard to read this book without bursting out laughing many times through.

Indeed, after reading through this series at least 10 times, whenever I read these books, my lowest reaction is a huge grin.

So buy this book and enjoy. You will love it as much as I do.

Wonderful!.......2006-01-05

Another Fine Myth/Myth Conceptions was a real joy to read. The story starts with a young would-be-thief who has changed professions to become a wizard apprentice. However, as he is being taught one day, his master is killed by assassins, at the exact moment when he was summoning a demon from another world. Fortunately for Skeeve the apprentice, the demon was spelled, and is powerless to use his magic. Unfortunately, the demon is a good creature and wants to continue to teach Skeeve magic so they can get to the bottom of the mystery, and the Demon may someday be able to return home.
The story is a great little tale, with countless subtle jokes and references that only a sharp reader can catch. As the two travel the lands seeking clues, they encounter all sorts of strange people, including inept demon hunting templar, ruthless merchants from other dimensions, and a beautiful girl who also happens to have a mysterious background. The end of the second book has Skeeve and his strange allies setting up to battle a much larger army, and its a fight you dont want to miss!
This is an easy read, and will create a more than rewarding few hours.

If you do buy this book, make sure you get the "double volume" and not just the first book. Also, there are about 10 sequels that you can expect to buy, as this series is just that good, and that's no myth.

Relic113

Good Book.......2005-12-22

Good book, I recommend it to children ages 8-12, was a bit too young for me, 12, though. captivating story, interesting plot, not much bad to say about it.

Conceptions of Cosmos: From Myths to the Accelerating Universe: A History of Cosmology

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Conceptions of Cosmos: From Myths to the Accelerating Universe: A History of Cosmology
Helge Kragh
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Theories of the Universe (Library of Scientific Thought)

ASIN: 0199209162

Book Description

This book is a historical account of how natural philosophers and scientists have endeavoured to understand the universe at large, first in a mythical and later in a scientific context. Starting with the creation stories of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the book covers all the major events in
theoretical and observational cosmology, from Aristotle's cosmos over the Copernican revolution to the discovery of the accelerating universe in the late 1990s. It presents cosmology as a subject including scientific as well as non-scientific dimensions, and tells the story of how it developed into
a true science of the heavens. Contrary to most other books in the history of cosmology, it offers an integrated account of the development with emphasis on the modern Einsteinian and post-Einsteinian period. Starting in the pre-literary era, it carries the story onwards to the early years of the
21st century.

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
Myth Concetions Review WEEEEE
Not bad but not that convincing...
No such thing as a cush job.
More brilliant than a galaxy full of stars!

Myth Conceptions
Robert Asprin
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0441013627

Book Description

After mistakenly being appointed court magician by a regent who should have known better, apprentice mage Skeeve must defend a kingdom from the mightiest invading army in the world.

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Magic not always overrated.

In the second book of Robert Asprin's Myth series, our hapless heroes decide that a nice office job would be a good idea. Court magician is not actually clerking, though. Generally you don't have to do much, until someone attacks you, then people will expect all sorts of tricks. The problem being that a demon-no-longer-magician and an apprentice-know-nothing don't have a lot, at least not of the magical variety.

Myth Concetions Review WEEEEE.......2007-04-12

Myth-Conceptions
Myth-Conceptions is an interesting book that I would recommend to all age groups. It starts out with Skeeve, Aahz, Buttercup, and Gleep at the inn. A messenger comes to them, telling them they must travel to the Kingdom of Possiltum to audition as Court Magician. They audition, and Skeeve passes. That is when Skeeve and Aahz are told they must protect Possiltum from an enormous army. Alone. Skeeve and Aahz decide they want to know what they're up against, so they scout the enemy kingdom. This is where Skeeve is surprised by Tanda. Tanda and Skeeve meet up with Aahz, and Aahz is more than happy to see Tanda. The threesome travel together to the Bazaar in Deva, to hire mercenaries to help with the war. Skeeve bundles up quite a group, which consists of an Imp, a very old archer, and a Gargoyle. The group travels back to Klah, to fight the war. The group nearly defeats the army, and the group is all set up in a trap. Aahz tells the supreme commander that nobody has to fight. All of the opposing soldiers end up becoming citizens of Possiltum, and everybody is happy. Skeeve and Aahz are rewarded, but Skeeve still has more work to do in the next book.
Skeeve is a young, ambitious teenager. He's training to be a thriving magician, trained by his mentor, Aahz. Skeeve is still in his teen years, he's tall, and he has blonde hair. Skeeve acts childish at times, which angers Aahz, and when things don't seem right, Skeeve whines about it. But when it's time to get serious, Skeeve acts brave. Skeeve feels worried about their mission, he doesn't want to go up against a growing army alone. Skeeve is confused about what's really going on, but Aahz knows all about it.
All in all, this is an interesting book, apart of an interesting series. I would highly recommend reading the first book, "Another Fine Myth", and continue reading the series.

Not bad but not that convincing..........2006-04-13

The writing isn't too bad, and the characters are quite believable. The only problem I had with Another fine myth and Conception were the enemies. First, no matter how scatterbrained the enemy/opposition is, it would be really unsatisfactory for them to behave as dullards.

Secondly, powerful images and impressions of the enemy are evoked but the enemy never moves. It is essentially static while the heroes are allowed to become all powerful, all domineering, to triumph over every difficulty. Whatever the heroes do, the enemy almost always fails to counter their every move. If the enemy fails to counter, there is always a reason given. Believable but not impressive or even convincing enough!

Finally, the issues the heroes encounter are interesting but the book fails to maintain this. [Alas, that is one of the fallacies of a series based on first person narration(of a single main character). You can never seriously injure or kill him off, otherwise the series would end.]

Why do I say this? Simply because the characters have the power, the intelligence, etc. to surmount every situation. It would've been interesting to see the heroes be faced with a difficult situation and instead of utilising weapons/magik/other tools, they'd use their brains and lay out a real strategy instead.

If you're looking for an entertaining but light read(with some depth), this series is for you. But if you're looking for an entertaining but serious read(with plenty of depth), then you're on the wrong track.

No such thing as a cush job........2005-06-22

In this tale of myth-adventure, Skeeve gets a job, with the aide of his mentor Aahz, as a court magician . Unfortunately, they get more than they bargained for; part of their job is to protect the kingdom's northern border from the invading Empire. When all hope is nearly lost, they return to the Bazaar at Deva and hire their own rag-tag army.

This is the second book in Asprin's Myth series; the first is Another Fine Myth. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone, but onch you read one you'll be hooked. The only thing I have to complain about is Asprin's over-use of details from the previous book in order to "catch-up" a new reader to the series. If you have already read the previous book, it can be a bit tedious. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone, whether or not you read fantasy. Asprin puts forth a great deal of effort to concentrate on character development and their relationships, and succeeds in writing an enjoyable and light-hearted story that just happens to have creatures from different dimensions.

More brilliant than a galaxy full of stars!.......2003-12-01

Robert Asprin has done it again! In this, the second book in the Myth series, our unlikely trio of Skeeve- former thief want-to-be and current magicians apprentice; Aahz- demon master magician currently unable to use any magic because his powers were removed as part of a practical joke gone horribly wrong; and Gleep- baby dragon with the worst breath in all of Klah!

This time they find themselves trying to get a job as court magicians, since everyone knows that being a court magician is the cushiest job in all the dimensions. But this job comes with perils, and our trio find themselves in the middle of a war, where they're doomed whether they win or loose!

Myth Conceptions is wonderful, a fantasy/comedy that once you pick up, you will not be able to put down! It's absolutely one of the best books ever! As an added bonus, it's all ages. So get a copy for yourself and your friends. Once they see how much fun you're having reading this book they're going to want to borrow it and you're going to be too busy reading it for a second time!

Pregnancy Myths: An Obstetrician Demystifies Pregnancy from Conception to Birth
Average customer rating:

excellent

This book uncovers the truth about pregnancy

Easy to read, highly informative book

It was comprehensive -- yet easy to read and understand.

Dr. Benson provides a clear explanation for many myths.

Pregnancy Myths: An Obstetrician Demystifies Pregnancy from Conception to Birth
Michael D. Benson
Manufacturer: Marlowe & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Pregnancy & Childbirth | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Obstetrics & Gynecology | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Obstetrics & Gynecology | Surgery | Medicine | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1569246955

Customer Reviews:

excellent.......2000-04-13

this book was a great source of information for those who are pregnant and also for those who work in the field of obstetrics

This book uncovers the truth about pregnancy.......1999-03-04

Benson does an excellent job of "wiping the slate clean" of old myths that have been passed down for generations, and he also addresses many common questions and concerns regarding routine testing and procedures. Pregnancy myths is written in an informative style that captured my interest on every topic of the birthing process. This book uncovers the truth about pregnancy and gives reassurance with scientific fact that risk and complications are the minority to the vast numbers of pregnancies today.

Easy to read, highly informative book.......1999-02-24

I found "Pregnancy Myths" to be a highly informative, concisely written source on many questions I had as an expectant mother, and many others I had not thought to ask.

It was comprehensive -- yet easy to read and understand........1998-12-31

I just had the opportunity to read "Pregnancy Myths" by Dr. Michael Benson. I found the book to be very comprehensive -- yet easy to read and understand. His book is an excellent resource, which addresses a variety of pregnancy-related questions and myths -- from conception through birth. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those considering pregnancy as well as those in the midst of the experience.

Dr. Benson provides a clear explanation for many myths........1998-12-17

As a prenatal educator, I found Br. Benson's book to provide a clear explanation for many of the "old wives' tales" surrounding pregnancy. His explanations are based on scientific fact without being difficult to understand. As an OB staff educator I recommend Dr. Benson's book as a resource for nurses with limited experience in answering a family's questions about pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum.

Myth adventures: Another fine myth ; myth conceptions ; myth directions ; hit or myth

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Myth adventures: Another fine myth ; myth conceptions ; myth directions ; hit or myth
Robert Asprin
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B000717XNE

Missed Fortunes Due to Money Myth-Conceptions

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Missed Fortunes Due to Money Myth-Conceptions
Douglas R. Andrew
Manufacturer: Paramount Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0974008702

Myth Conceptions: Joseph Campbell and the New Age

Average customer rating:

Usual Clap-trap
Has anyone even bothered to look up this "clown" reference?
Was Hoping for the Truth Regardless
Book demonstrates a priori commitments by Campbell
Was Hoping for a Rational Deconstruction, But...

Myth Conceptions: Joseph Campbell and the New Age
Tom Snyder
Manufacturer: Baker Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

Usual Clap-trap.......2007-04-12

This book is, unfortunately, completely typical of Christians who want so badly to hang on to their beliefs that they'll lie, cheat and misquote to do it. I just want to address the "clown act" quote since that seems to be a point of contention, and I have Dr. Campbell's book open on my lap right now. Jesus is not mentioned on this page. If anything, it's about Buddhism. The questioning is, in fact, about the theme of human desire for immortality that runs throughout various myths, beginning with a tale about the Buddha encountering a grieving woman. The conversation then goes on to discuss appreciating every moment in life. Immortality is the connection with the eternal in your own life (paraphrasing), and a desire to live forever physically at the expense of spiritual growth would be cheating yourself of your full human potential. The physical should never be prized over the spiritual. That's about it. If you want to criticize The Power of Myth, you should at least pick it up and read it first. I've always found Dr. Campbell to be as respectful of Christianity as he is of any other religion. He approaches it as a scholar and puts it within the context of historical religious development. We need more scholars and fewer fanatics.

Has anyone even bothered to look up this "clown" reference?.......2006-07-29

I have. P. 228. Jesus isn't even mentioned on the page, nor was the word "resurrection". He was mentioned in pages 210-211, where Campbell discusses "the Christ within," describing it as "the sense of mankind." What a scathing attack on Christ that was...

Snyder draws a fair amount out of context, and there isn't much to argue against because there's nothing in terms of evidence, just opinions about Campbell's alleged attack on Christianity.

The man was a comparative mythologist, and yet Snyder wanted Campbell to say "but above all else, I'm a Christian?" Now that's asking a lot...

Snyder apparently has an agenda against anyone who might let people make up their own minds about their religion. Campbell never said Jesus wasn't the way, just one way of many. But tolerance of other religions isn't Snyder's way, and he and many like him are still bullying people into Christianity as if they still had a right to "convert the heathens."

Whether or not the man was a Christian isn't the same as someone who attacks Christianity. There's a difference, and it doesn't take a doctorate to know it. All it takes is a pledge drive and people can see why their money is better spent not on Snyder's book but on Campbell's. At least Campbell wants you to think for yourself instead of deceiving you. And you know that's what you're doing, Snyder.

Nice try, Tom. Go back to demonizing Mark Twain or something.

Was Hoping for the Truth Regardless.......2006-05-27

I recall reading this book when it first came out over ten years ago. It was and still is one of the most influential books that I have ever read in terms of shaping my own Christian world view. Personally, I will openly admit that I have never read any of Joseph Campbell's books, but I have talked to a number of people who have read Campbell's books and I have read a considerable number of the books that Dr. Snyder is referencing in his own book. My conclusion is that when it comes to defending the Christian world view apologetically with contemporary research done by Christian and non-Christian scholars, some of whom are still living and producing their own works, few books have done a better job than "Myth Conceptions". After ten years, it's still a good read.

After having a number of spirited discussions with people about the contents of this book, I'm still waiting for someone to come up with a specific error that Dr. Snyder made rather than making blanket statements implying that Myth Conceptions' logic and references are no better than Campbell's. An important detail that I feel is worth noting is that Snyder's research is based on the scholarship of personalities like Mircea Eliade, Ronald Nash, Norman Geisler, and Phillip Johnson.

The book can be read in any number of ways. It can be perused or it can be read from cover to cover. That flexibility is a plus for the people of various backgrounds that may read the book. I can also imagine that the book would be an uncomfortable read for anyone who is a fan of Joseph Campbell's. I had a discussion with a family member less than a couple of months ago who said that he liked Joseph Campbell's works, but when I started gently sharing the opposing arguments with him that Snyder uses, it became clear that Campbell is not using the most current research to support his conclusions. This family member ended up reading the book to find out what it had to say, but could not finish it because he couldn't stand seeing that he and Joseph Campbell are wrong about a few things. The family member would or could not get into specifics.

In regards to the world of research, attacks abound of various sorts because people are going to have disagreements to find out who is right. The law of noncontradiction implies that everyone disagreeing cannot simultaneously be right in the same way even though everyone can be wrong, "transcendence" not withstanding. Snyder understands this. He demonstrates this on page 49 of his book. "Campbell's definition of the word 'transcendent' is too narrow. Transcendent does not always mean something that exists 'beyond all concepts' or 'beyond all categories of thought.' It can simply mean something that exceeds or surpasses certain limits." Further, I would also have to sympathize with Snyder for feeling attacked when Joseph Campbell in "Power of Myth" on page 228 says that the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is "a clown act, really." The rest of Campbell's works either directly or indirectly attack Judeo-Christian belief.

This following is a May 28, 2007 addendum to the May 27, 2006 review.

Please note carefully where the quotations appear in Snyder's book on page 77 and in my review before coming up with a scathing attack on Snyder's paraphrase. It was never claimed that the word `resurrection' appeared on page 228. If a person is really interested in a word search, the word `resurrected' appears on page 217 so one does not have to go as far back as page 211. Another point worth noting is that the Power of Myth is a transcript of a light hearted conversation between Moyers and Campbell so the number of words written between pages 211 and 228 is not as many as one might think especially when large photographs occupy every other page.

The quote under discussion is the following:

Moyers: Myths are full of the desire for immortality, are they not?

Campbell: Yes. But when immortality is misunderstood as being an everlasting body, it turns into a clown act, really. On the other hand, when immortality is understood to be identification with that which is of eternity in your own life now, it's something else again.

As I read through a number of pages I saw that Christian beliefs were repeatedly referred to along with beliefs from other religions. It's even worth noting that on page 219, Germanic and Celtic myths are considered helpful for their use of funny forms to show that their `grotesque deities' are not the `ultimate image' of `inward experience and life'. But when Christianity is evaluated with clown imagery applied either to Jesus' resurrection on page 217 or the quick reference to a rapture (which is elaborated upon with Campbell's understanding) on page 228, the above quote shows that Campbell's personal opinion of literal interpretations of them is that they are based on misunderstanding.

If I could humbly quote a single scripture reference, I would like to bring up Philippians 3:20-21 (NASB) which are words of encouragement for Christians.

Paul, the Apostle: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Admittedly, there is enough in controversy regarding these concepts to argue about for a lifetime. However, for further criticisms of Campbell's works by other authors, I would refer anyone to [..] which has a nice write-up of Joseph Campbell.

Book demonstrates a priori commitments by Campbell.......2004-04-04

Myth Conceptions is an interesting read, a good piece of work that is simple and to the point. Dr. Snyder clearly outlines the problems with myth theory, focusing on the a priori philosophical commitments on the part of Campbell and others. Campbell, in other words, rules beforehand that the biblical/traditional view of reality is wrong and then seeks to replace this with his own view. This is a clear error in logic, something that Snyder readily points out. Snyder does not in any way make the same mistake, he is in fact reinforcing the biblical tradition based on facts of an evidentiary nature. The biblical worldview has always been seen as a clear manifestation of human nature at its worst and best; outlining the main problem with the human condition, and the resultant need for redemption and salvation. Far from being "cleverly invented tales," events in the Bible are portrayed as paradoxically miraculous, but simple--a hallmark of biblical literature. The events are not akin to the grandiose embellishments that you find in Homer or Gnostic sources.

Myth theory has its place in literary analysis, but it is plainly ad hoc, and replete with its own philosophical and logical axes to grind.

Carmelo Tropiano
Toronto, ON

Was Hoping for a Rational Deconstruction, But..........2004-01-27

I have been reading the works of Joseph Campbell off and on for many years now. I say off and on because it is only as I mature and experience more of the world's "transcendence" that I really start to grasp what he's saying. In fact, I am proud to say that I can now get through the Power of Myth series without rewinding the tapes more than once or twice. I feel like I should get some sort of medal of honor in the mail for making it this far.

As I am always wont to hear legitimate (and opposing) criticism of the scholars that affect me, I checked this book out of the library. It's hard to find someone who is critical of Joseph Campbell's work and this seemed like one of the few published books (perhaps the only one) that dealt with Campbell exclusively.

Imagine my disappointment when I ran across unsound logic on the part of the author, snippets of Campbell's dialogues taken out of context and references that the author often defined as controversial yet employed as the cornerstone for seminal arguments against Campbell's views. I am by no means a student of logic, but I wasn't through the second chapter before I found myself thinking, "But Snyder is guilty here of the very charge he's levied against Campbell!"

In an effort to be completely fair and honest, I did not finish this book, though it was thoroughly perused. I felt my time was better spent on other ventures. I am also not a devout Christian who is willing to accept the complete inerrancy of the Bible. But I was willing (even excited) to give Mr. Snyder the floor to make his case time and time again. Too much "most scholars believe X, Y, Z but the few Christian scholars who don't are the ones I'll be quoting to back up my own arguments." (Not a direct quote...just my version of Snyder's thought process.)

I ultimately think that Mr. Snyder felt personally attacked by Joseph Campbell's views of Christianity and went to great lengths to disprove them even though he sacrifices his own reputation to that end. If you feel equally threatened by Campbell's lifetime investigation of world mythology, then this may be the perfect book for you.

ANOTHER FINE MYTH/MYTH CONCEPTIONS
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ANOTHER FINE MYTH/MYTH CONCEPTIONS
ROBERT ASPRIN
Manufacturer: BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KUPBNQ

Great Myth Conceptions
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Great Myth Conceptions

Manufacturer: HarperCollins PUblishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0732280621

Product Description

First published in Australia; ABN# 36-009-913-517. Illustrated by Adam Yazxhi.

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