Tao Te Ching (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature) [Paperback]

Lao-Tzu (Author), Arthur Waley (Translator), Robert Wilkinson (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Classics of World Literature | Publication Date: December 5, 1999

Dating from around 300BC, Tao Te Ching is the first great classic of the Chinese school of philosophy called Taoism. Within its pages is summed up a complete view of the cosmos and how human beings should respond to it. A profound mystical insight into the nature of things forms the basis for a humane morality and vision of political utopia. The ideas in this work constitute one of the main shaping forces behind Chinese spirituality, art and science, so much so that no understanding of Chinese civilisation is possible without a grasp of Taoism. This edition presents the authoritative translation by Arthur Waley, with a new Introduction reflecting recent developments in the interpretation of the work.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd (December 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853264717
• ISBN-13: 978-1853264719
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Taoism
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > Taoism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I gave my copy of this book to a good friend..., January 5, 2005

By 

Gen Falel "Gen" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature) (Paperback)

...and I spent hours trying to find the exact same translation online.

The effort was worth it. I've seen many other translations, but none did as wonderful a job in both translating the meaning of this work in an intuitively understandable manner and in continuing to make it read with the beautiful lyricism I've become accustomed to.

I don't know how you found this particular edition of this book (since there are so many inferior ones listed), but now that you've found it, wishlist it or buy it before you lose the link! And then buy it; it's well worth twice the price.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars English Daoism at its best, December 2, 2004

By 

Edward A. Adamski (Shanghai) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature) (Paperback)

I have attempted to learn about the Dao for a quite awhile. I have even studied Classical Chinese in an attempt to learn more about it.
This without a doubt is the best translation I have ever found. The style used does not push any agenda other than Daoist as the author does not try to tell the reader what it means.
The Dao is something that each person needs to discover on her or his own, Lao Zi understood that and so does Arthur Waley. Other translations of this book that I have seen really pale in comparison, like drinking tepid tap water on a hot day.

1.0 out of 5 stars Good book, crappy supplier, August 28, 2011

By 

M. james cady "rEVOLt" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature) (Paperback)

I've read some of the Tao Te Ching here and there online, it's not hard to find. But I wanted to have my own physical copy of this great piece of work. The reviews are great for the book and it's inexpensive, and I'm sure it's a great translation.

The reason I give it 1 star is not because of the book but solely on customer service of the supplier, "pbshofus" or whatever it's name is. I ordered the book on August 13th and it is now August 28th and still have not received the book. It shouldn't take that long to mail a $3 book, nobody is that busy to not be able to do that. It'll be the last time I order from this. I could've gone to Barnes & Nobles or something instead for the book, not waste money.