Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly

Iron John: A Book About Men is a nonfiction work by poet and essayist Robert Bly as an exploration of what it means to be a man. The book is an attempt to reclaim the masculine spirit, providing an in-depth look at the role of men in today’s society.

Iron John looks primarily at the fairytale of Iron John, a popular tale in many Western countries and takes the story as a metaphor for a serious look at masculinity. Through his examination of Iron John’s tale, Bly provides insight into what is expected of men, the expectations of society and ultimately, how to live life as a fulfilled man.

The book is divided into three sections. In the introduction, Bly discusses why there is a need to reclaim the masculinity from its current state of crisis. It is here that Bly looks at how men in today’s society can become more aware of their emotions, break away from gender stereotypes, and take a deep look into their inner selves.

In the second part of the book, Bly applies the metaphor from Iron John's tale to analyze how men are viewed in today’s society. He looks at how men can change and be an active part in changing society through exploration of the male psyche. He also presents ideas for how to construct a more meaningful life for men, including following alternative paths and embracing nature.

The third part of the book looks at various myths surrounding men. These myths allude to a lack of understanding of what it means to be a man, and how each man should live his life. Bly encourages readers to find and embrace their unique sense of self and reject norms that are forced on them.

Iron John is a thought-provoking and insightful read that gives readers an insight into what it means to be a man. Bly delves deep into men’s feelings, struggles, and expectations of society and provides readers with a way to navigate a successful and fulfilling life as a man. He encourages readers to explore the myths of masculinity and to embrace the alternative paths that can take them towards a more meaningful life.

Overall, Iron John is a great read for anyone looking for more insight and understanding into how to live as a man in today’s society. This book is an important read for anyone looking to reclaim masculinity and live life in a way that is meaningful, fulfilling and unique to their own life experiences.