William Everson

The book "The Shaman's Call: Interviews, Introduction, and Expanded Edition" by Steven Herrmann, in collaboration with William Everson, is a unique blend of spiritual exploration and literary critique. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Spirituality and Shamanism: The book delves into the spiritual practices and shamanic traditions of William Everson, a poet-shaman.
2. Jungian Psychotherapy: Herrmann's background in Jungian psychotherapy influences the book's exploration of the unconscious and the self.
3. American Poetry and Spiritual Democracy: The work critiques and celebrates American poetry, particularly focusing on themes of spiritual democracy and the integration of spirituality into everyday life.

Plot Summary

In 1991, Steven Herrmann was "called" by William Everson to collaborate on writing a book. This collaboration resulted in "The Shaman's Call," which includes interviews with Everson, an introduction by Herrmann, and an expanded edition that likely incorporates additional insights and reflections from both authors.

The book is structured around Everson's experiences as a poet-shaman, exploring his spiritual journey and how it intersects with his literary work. Herrmann's Jungian perspective provides a framework for understanding the deeper psychological and spiritual dimensions of Everson's experiences.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews for "The Shaman's Call" are not readily available in the search results, Steven Herrmann's other works have received positive critiques for their depth and insight into Jungian psychology and American poetry.

• Steven Herrmann's Other Works: Herrmann's book "Spiritual Democracy: The Wisdom of Early American Visionaries for the Journey Forward" (2014) has been praised for its nuanced exploration of spiritual democracy and its relevance to contemporary society[4].
• Academic Recognition: Herrmann's comparative study "Doorways to the Self: William James and C.G. Jung" was chosen as a finalist for the 2020 Book Award by the International Association of Jungian Studies, indicating his expertise and the high regard in which his work is held[5].

Conclusion

"The Shaman's Call" by Steven Herrmann and William Everson is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of spirituality, shamanism, and the intersection of these themes with American poetry. The book's critical reception, while not extensively documented, is likely positive given Herrmann's established reputation in Jungian psychotherapy and literary criticism.