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Every book Robert McKee recommended on podcasts
Robert McKee appeared on The Rich Roll Podcast to discuss the art of storytelling and the deep significance that stories hold for human nature. McKee brought up several renowned works of literature to illustrate broader principles of narrative and psychology. He discussed Leo Tolstoy's classic novel War and Peace, comparing the scope of classic Russian literature to modern long-form television series by suggesting that the massive novel would serve as a single season if adapted today. McKee also brought up William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies to demonstrate how great stories illuminate the realities of human nature rather than preaching a moral lesson or dictating how people ought to behave. Additionally, McKee mentioned Steven Pressfield's book The War of Art, noting his personal involvement in writing the preface for the publication at the request of the author's publisher. Across these examples, McKee utilized classic novels and creative guides to examine the structural mechanics and psychological depths inherent in enduring narrative arts.
Books recommended by Robert McKee
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Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a classic novel depicting a group of British schoolboys descending into savagery after becoming stranded on an uninhabited island.
Discussed“Robert McKee: Lord of the Flies. There's a magnificent novel about human nature, but it doesn't tell you what you ought to do. It just says this is human nature.”
Where to get it
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The War of Art
Steven Pressfield's The War of Art serves as a profound guide for creatives, entrepreneurs, and thinkers seeking to understand and conquer the psychological barriers that hinder productivity and inspiration.
Discussed“Robert McKee: He wrote that wonderful book, "The War of Art," and I wrote the preface to it. Uh-huh. And his publisher asked me to write the preface to it.”
Where to get it
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War and Peace
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy is a sprawling Russian epic novel that chronicles elite society and military conflict during the Napoleonic era.
Discussed“Robert McKee: Well, I've looked at certain novels, Russian and otherwise. And I've said, if this was a series, War and Peace, if it were a series, would be season one. And that's all.”
Where to get it
Books Robert McKee wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert McKee On The Art of Story & Why Stories Matter | The Rich Roll Podcast | 2023-02-13 | 3 |
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Robert McKee: The action book. A book on the action genre.”
“Robert McKee: You have read stories as a child. You have seen them countless. By the tens of thousands of stories from everything from TV commercials to crime and punishment.”