Question 1

Why do I have to pay for Campbell’s lectures? Why aren’t Campbell’s lectures available to stream on places like Spotify?

Accepted Answer

When you donate to download a lecture from JCF, you’re facilitating the work we do at the Foundation to keep these audio lectures available – and for Foundation associates to digitize more. Any purchase from the site is a tax deductible contribution to the Foundation whose mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the work of Joseph Campbell.

The audio lecture project specifically is an ongoing effort to bring you the hundreds of Joseph Campbell lectures which were given as far back as 1950. From the archiving and digitization of reel-to-reel tapes, cleaning up of noise and distortion, curating series, and then uploading and distributing the files to a worldwide audience, the process is a time-consuming but worthwhile one. As a small organization we must support this process financially and subscription-based streaming services are not a viable avenue to earn revenue. When you buy from us, you are supporting the Joseph Campbell Foundation and enabling the continuation of these efforts directly.

If you’re looking for a free way to listen to full Campbell lectures and commentary, check out the Pathways with Joseph Campbell podcast.(https://pathways-with-joseph-campbell.simplecast.com/)

Question 2

Why are the lectures in .zip file format?

Accepted Answer

We first started offering digital downloads in the early 2000s, when CD format was still the dominant medium. JCF responded to the tech requirements of the day and released each lecture split up into shorter “tracks” to reflect the standard album format. The .zip file is the best way to transfer and download a package of audio files over the internet.

We recognize that the current user experience of downloading .zip files is not ideal. We are currently working to stay up to date with standard practices and technology, exploring new formats that make the user experience as easy as possible. We appreciate your patience in allowing us to adapt to your needs.

Question 3

How do I open a .zip file on my device?

Accepted Answer

There are many devices and many ways to unzip files. We encourage you to e(https://www.google.com/search?num=100&safe=off&rlz=1CASMAI_enUS720US720&ei=lLE5Wv6DNungjwSonpmAAw&q=how+to+unzip+files+on+different+devices)xplore the various options (https://www.google.com/search?num=100&safe=off&rlz=1CASMAI_enUS720US720&ei=lLE5Wv6DNungjwSonpmAAw&q=how+to+unzip+files+on+different+devices)open to you and let us know if you absolutely cannot access the zipped files.

Question 4

Does JCF offer transcripts of Collected Audio lectures?

Accepted Answer

JCF does not offer transcripts of any of Joseph Campbell’s videos or of any of his Collected Lectures.That said, we are aware that at the conclusion of some of the earliest lectures that were released there is a statement that suggests otherwise.

Question 5

How do I report a broken link, wonky page, or bad functionality on the website?

Accepted Answer

Visit the C(https://www.jcf.org/contact/)ontact the Foundation page,(https://www.jcf-shop.org/contact-jcf) (https://www.jcf.org/contact/)select Community and Social Media, and fill out the contact form

Question 6

Does JCF offer scholarships or other funding opportunities?

Accepted Answer

We do not. JCF is a small organization – despite its renown namesake and global footprint. It is a “working foundation,” meaning we earn our keep and neither solicit nor offer grants of any kind. JCF is, in fact, a virtual organization without any offices. We are kept operative mainly through the good efforts of a cadre of engaged volunteers scattered over several continents.

Question 7

Will JCF publish my book?

Accepted Answer

No – JCF publishes only works written by Joseph Campbell, and in-house productions.

Question 8

Will you review the book I wrote?

Accepted Answer

We love to see the many ways that Joseph Campbell’s work continues to influence both creative works of fiction and scholarly non-fiction. However, as a very small organization, we simply do not have the bandwidth to provide the service of reviewing books or other creative works.

In short:
 Please do not send us a review copy of your book.
 We do not read, review, endorse, or comment upon works not published by JCF

Question 9

Why did you remove my Joseph Campbell video(s) from YouTube?

Accepted Answer

Because the works you shared are under copyright (some video assets are under copyright co-owned by JCF and other parties). If we don’t assert that copyright, we may open ourselves to lawsuits from other parties. We certainly appreciate your enthusiasm, but please respect our legal right to secure protection for JCF’s intellectual property.

Question 10

When can I get the new hardcover edition of Creative Mythology?

Accepted Answer

The print rights to Creative Mythology revert to us in 2024. As soon as they do, we’ll work with New World Library to this final volume in The Masks of God series.

In the meantime, you can read our updated edition of one of Campbell’s most beloved titles in ebook form.(https://www.jcf-shop.org/product-page/the-masks-of-god-vol-iv-creative-mythology)

Question 11

When will you be rereleasing the video series Transformations of Myth Through Time?

Accepted Answer

The Mythos (https://www.amazon.com/JOSEPH-CAMPBELL-MYTHOS-Joseph-Campbell/dp/B008CYDE0E/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?crid=1HKTKVBWZDX61&keywords=Mythos+I+Joseph+Campbell&qid=1698446336&sprefix=mythos+i+joseph+campbell%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1-fkmr2)DVD series (https://www.amazon.com/JOSEPH-CAMPBELL-MYTHOS-Joseph-Campbell/dp/B008CYDE0E/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?crid=1HKTKVBWZDX61&keywords=Mythos+I+Joseph+Campbell&qid=1698446336&sprefix=mythos+i+joseph+campbell%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1-fkmr2)contains all of the footage in Transformations plus 2+ hours of never-before-released lectures, and presents them as Campbell intended:
 • Mythos I: The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition (DVD)
(https://www.jcf.org/titles/the-shaping-of-our-mythic-tradition/) an exploration of the psychology, history and biology of myth, and an introduction to the Western mythos.
 • Mythos II: The Shaping of the Eastern Tradition (DVD)
 an introduction to the great mythic traditions of South and East Asia.
 • Mythos III: The Shaping of the Western Tradition (DVD)
 an exploration of the great philosophy, art and literature that have shaped the modern West.

Question 12

Why do you charge money for Campbell’s work?

Accepted Answer

The Joseph Campbell Foundation was founded in 1990 by Jean Erdman, Joseph Campbell’s wife and literary executor, for the sole purpose of ensuring that Joseph Campbell’s work was available in perpetuity.

Over the last thirty years, JCF associates have spent thousands of hours digitizing lectures, building and moderating online community, and editing new book editions (including translations) for readers the world over. When you make a donation on our website – that’s right, your purchases are tax-exempt – to gain access to a lecture, an ebook, or some other piece of Campbell’s work, you’re funding the mission of JCF: To keep Campbell’s work accessible for generations to come. We thank you for your continued support.

Question 13

I have a question that isn’t covered by the FAQ. How do I ask it?

Accepted Answer

Visit the C(https://www.jcf.org/contact/)ontact the Foundation page,(https://www.jcf.org/contact) (https://www.jcf.org/contact/)select Community and Social Media, and fill out the contact form