Acknowledged to be one of the definitive versions of the influential Chinese classic, this new translation reveals the text in its full glory and recaptures the flow and power of the original writings. One of the most important books in Chinese literature, its significance has reverberated throughout the centuries since the Han dynasty. Its powerful effect on Western society is second to none in terms of non-Western books. Here the Tao Te Ching's 80 chapters of wise sayings and commentaries on the self and our relation to society are sumptuously illustrated with contemporary works of art and are viewed not only individually but as part of a unifying pattern. Text in both English and Chinese includes background on Lao Tzu, the recognized author of the Tao Te Ching, plus a brief history of Taoism. Essential reading for anyone--even those who have read previous translations--with an interest in ancient wisdom.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Man-Ho Kwok is the foremost practitioner of traditional Chinese religion in the UK. Trained for twenty years by both Taoist and Buddhist masters in Hong Kong, he is renowned as a scholar of Chinese religion and, together with Martin Palmer, has translated many ancient texts. Martin Palmer, the Director of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture (ICOREC), is an expert on interfaith work and author of many books including The Elements of Taoism and Living Christianity. He has translated numerous ancient texts, including many from China on which he has collaborated with Man-Ho Kwok. Jay Ramsay is a poet and found of the Chrysalis poetry project. He has published numerous books of poetry, including his main work, The Great Return, and is particularly interested in the role of the artist healer.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Tao is clear.,
By
This review is from: The Illustrated Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
This brilliant translation is the best I have ever studied. Three eminent British scholors translated the Tao from the most ancient source available. Man-Ho and Palmer translated the original and Ramsay put it into the poetic language.
The visuals on each page are from various Chinese paintings, mostly very old ones. They are superb art. The calligraphy, by Chan, is beautiful. Their aim was to clearly present the Tao, and their choice of language and profound understanding of the Tao (both the book and message in the book) make this the most accessible translation I have ever read (and I've studied dozens).
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A little spirituality at the coffee-table,
By
This review is from: The Illustrated Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
"I know, I know, first everything's one way and then it's the opposite."
-Hank Hill This is a classic of Chinese philosophy, and a good companion to Heraclitus' Fragments. Where fire was the central metaphor for an ever-changing universe in the latter, in the former it is water. The translators, Martin Palmer, Jay Ramsey, and Man-Ho Kwok utilize Ezra Pound's "stepped line" technique to give the text a flowing appearance, which is very effective. I have not read any other translations- there are many- but I find in this version one verse I think dubious: Greed Is the seed of apocalypse- It is the rocket-fuel of selfishness: Me, me, me! Here I do find the typographic and grammatical modernizations annoying. The word "apocalypse" has a biblical connotation which is inappropriate, unless the Chinese word was "revelation" (the original meaning of that infamous Greek noun), which it surely was not. Encountering "rocket fuel" in an ancient text is just too great an anachronism. The artwork is quite nice, perfect for a little spirituality at the coffee-table.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Way to Go,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Illustrated Tao Te Ching (Paperback)
I first got this edition of Tao while in interfaith seminary back in 1996. I have read and used it for services and other workshops and groups since then on a regular basis. I highly recommend this translation as the best I have found so far..... It is obvious (to me) that the writers and graphic artists too have done their inner homework before completing this treasure.
May you all experience this clearly created playful expression of the Tao. Namaste, Rev. Atindra Gibbs, The Interfaith Circle Berkeley, CA
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
