Author Stephen Mitchell, who has breathed new life into ancient classics from The Bhagavad Gita to The Tao Te Ching, turns his eye to the story of Joseph. Tolstoy called this biblical story ’the most beautiful story ever told,’ and Mitchell’s retelling resurrects the ancient tale for the modern age. In lyrical, witty prose, Mitchell recounts Joseph’s life as a hero’s journey shot through with themes of pride and humility, hatred and love, and ultimately profound and immense forgiveness. Mitchell’s interpretation of the story adds depth and dimension to the spare framework of the biblical narrative, fleshing out the characters into full blooded people, vividly animating the ancient Near East setting, and capturing the power of the emotion that lies dormant in the original story. The engrossing tale that he creates will capture the hearts and minds of modern readers. Mitchell’s own thoughts and commentary are woven seamlessly throughout the text, offering a moving spiritual interpretation of the events as they unfold. The beautiful style and depth of the book evoke a captivating blend of The Alchemist and Joseph Campbell. With profound spiritual sensitivity and a deep respect for the power of the story, Joseph resurrects an ancient epic into an essential modern book.
