Books for Self-Discovery & Shadow Work
Classic texts on knowing yourself, in clean editions with an Archemap introduction, and our own guided books on the shadow. Read the opening chapters before you buy.
All Archemap books
Meditations
Marcus AureliusAn emperor's private notes on power, anger, duty and the shortness of life.
Enchiridion
EpictetusThe original Stoic handbook: what is in your power, and what to do with the rest.
The Art of Worldly Wisdom
Baltasar Gracián300 maxims on reading people, guarding your name and choosing your moment.
On the Shortness of Life
SenecaLife is long enough if you know how to use it. Seneca's essay on time.
The Shadow Within
ArchemapRecognize the hidden patterns behind your triggers and reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Not sure where to begin? Take the free test and see which archetype each book speaks to.
What is the Archemap Library?
Classic texts on self-knowledge whose translations are in the public domain, edited and typeset by Archemap: a clean, complete text, an introduction that connects the book to the archetypes and the shadow, an online reader, a PDF and an EPUB.
If the texts are public domain, what am I paying for?
The edition. Free copies exist online, often with scanning errors and no context. Ours is proofread, introduced, laid out as a book, readable on a phone and printable, and includes the Spanish text where a free one exists.
Are Archemap books downloadable?
Yes. Every purchase includes a PDF to keep and print and an EPUB for e-readers (Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play Books, and Kindle through Send to Kindle), as well as the online reader.
Can I print the books?
Yes. The PDF is laid out as a book page and prints well on A4 or Letter.
Do I keep access after purchasing?
Yes, for good. The book stays in your Library, and later corrections to the same edition reach you at no cost.
Are books included in the Archemap membership?
Membership is not open yet. When it launches, the books on this page will be included, and anything you bought before stays yours.
Which book matches my archetype?
Each book page names the archetypes it speaks to most. Take the free test to find yours, then start there.
Are these books a replacement for therapy?
No. They are reading for self-reflection and are not a substitute for therapy or medical care.