Jonathan Young, PhD, is a renowned psychologist and storyteller who had the privilege of assisting the esteemed mythologist Joseph Campbell for several years at his seminars. As the Founding Curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives and Library, Dr. Young played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Campbell's work. In his capacity as a professor, he established and chaired the leading doctoral program in Mythological Studies, making significant contributions to the field.
Dr. Young's fascination with stories can be traced back to his childhood, where he was exposed to a vast array of folklore through his parents' extensive travels. As one of six children in a family that often moved, his parents would read and discuss the local lore of each place they visited, introducing him to an incredible range of mythological stories. He learned about the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, the Pied Piper in Hamlin, the Arabian Nights in Baghdad, the Buddha in India and Japan, and many other fascinating tales.
In addition to his work with Joseph Campbell, Dr. Young also served as the archivist for James Hillman, author of The Soul's Code, and Marija Gimbutas, a leading scholar on the Goddess traditions of old Europe. He is a respected member of a circle of experts on story convened by the legendary producer Peter Gruber, and frequently lectures at major universities, including the UCLA School of Medicine.
When not traveling to share his insights on the symbolism of mythic stories, Dr. Young resides with his cat in an old house in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of the region.
