Customer Reviews

Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the only translation of Chuang Tzu which possesses the spontaneity of genius and invention. By translating most of the Chinese names, David Hinton reveals some of the fairly hidden context of the disucussion. Moreover, while Chuang Tzu is often characterized as a "humorist", only this translation captures some of the extraordinary irony that runs through these writings

Chuang Tzu's literary themes and format of choice differ considerably from those of the more famous Lao Tzu; his prose anecdotes are more accessible than Lao Tzu's didactic verse, yet often deeper as well, and are worthy of examination even by those with no particular interest in Taoist philosophy.

How accurate is this work as translation? Not being familiar with the original Chinese, I can't say -- but the English phrasings are extraordinarily effective in their own right, far clearer and more beautiful than those in another, more popular version that I've seen.

I haven't read any other translations so I cannot comment per the prior reviewers' disagreement over this. On the other hand, some folks prefer a very literal translation and others perfer to optimize the poetic nature or the philosophical meaning and accuracy. There may not be a right or wrong on this point. However, the quality of Chuang Tzu's work is not in question--it's magnificent. This translation appeared to preserve the poetic beauty of the original while retaining its philosophical/religious integrity--but then, I don't read Chinese. I suggest you read it and form your own opinion.

A serviceable translation, but lacking in spiritual depth. Thomas Merton's translation gives a much better appreciation of the spiritual depth of the text.

This translation, I have to say, cannot hold a candle to A. C. Graham's. Graham reorganized the whole text, and explains how and why very methodically in his 35-page introduction. He tried to put the Inner Chapters into what could be (he believes) more faithful to the initial text. His translations read beautifully, much better than Hinton's often clunky ones. Also, when Zhuangzi switches from prose to poetry, or vice versa, it is noted in Graham's translation, often by putting the translation into a poem. In Hinton's, you'll find no such doings. Also, call me a snob, but I like my philosophy books to be translated by philosophers.

I'm sure it's a fine book, but I really must strongly recommend the Graham translation over this.

What I don't understand is why this translation is IN PRINT, while some really excellent translations of the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), such as those by A.C. Graham and Victor Mair, are OUT OF PRINT.