Lao-Tzu and the Tao-Te-Ching [Hardcover]

Livia Kohn (Editor), Michael Lafargue (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1998

Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching presents a coherent collection of materials on the ancient Chinese classic and its author, describing traditional and modern Western interpretations. Written and edited by recognized international specialists in the field, this book brings Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching together to present current scholarship on their history and interpretation. Contributors include William H. Baxter, Alan K.L. Chan, A.C. Graham, Julia M. Hardy, Yoshiko Kamitsuka, Livia Kohn, Michael LaFargue, Julian Pas, Isabelle Robinet, Benjamin Schwartz, and Liu Xiaogan. Divided into four parts, the book provides a wealth of information on the influential Chinese classic.

Part One, "Ancient Myths," discusses who Lao-tzu was, how he developed into a god of religious Taoism, and how his divinity was represented in medieval Chinese sculpture. Part Two, "Chinese Interpretations," discusses the role of the text in traditional China, studying the major commentaries by Wang Pi and He-shang-kung, looking at about thirty commentaries and their philological and doctrinal interpretations and examining the ritual uses the text found in medieval Taoism. Part Three, "Modern Readings," contains a critical discussion of the Tao-te-ching's reception in the West, a general analysis of its major doctrines, and a contemporary Chinese vision of its possible relevance for life today. Part Four, "Critical Methods," presents recent findings on the Tao-te-ching's linguistic structure and probable date, a historical, hermeneutic enquiry into its original meaning, and an evaluative guide to seventeen major English translations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Fascination with the Tao-te-ching is never-ending. But until now, the curious have had very few avenues for exploring the many facets of Lao-tzu's work other than the myriad translations and their brief introductions. In Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching, scholars Livia Kohn and Michael LaFargue invite some of the top minds in ancient Chinese philosophy and language to apply their technical expertise to the Tao-te-ching. The result is a playground of ideas and information. In addition to penning an essay on the evolution of Lao-tzu into a full-blown Taoist god, Kohn also translates an essay from French and another from Japanese--and they are two of the best in the book. While religion specialist Julia Hardy rehashes influential Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, Isabelle Robinet, a French historian who studies China, introduces us to a few of the 700 or so Chinese commentaries. Japanese religious historian Yoshiko Kamitsuka does as well with a fascinating study of Taoist sculpture--its gods, its inscriptions, and its development. Here is the latest on who Lao-tzu was and when the Tao-te-ching was written, and what a difference it will make to your own reading of this perennial favorite. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Livia Kohn is Associate Professor of Religion at Boston University. She has written many books including most recently The Taoist Experience: An Anthology, also published by SUNY Press, and Laughing at the Tao: Debates among Buddhists and Taoists in Medieval China. Michael LaFargue is Lecturer in Religious Studies and Director of the East Asian Studies program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is the author of The Tao of the Tao-te-ching and Tao and Method: A Reasoned Approach to the Tao-te-ching, both published by SUNY Press.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (February 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791435997
• ISBN-13: 978-0791435991
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,722,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Volume of Information, March 18, 2009

By 

Demitri Pevzner (depends on time of year) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lao-Tzu and the Tao-Te-Ching (Paperback)

This book is without a doubt, of great value to any serious scholar of Taoism. While not primarily dealing with the philosophies and rituals of Taoism (some are mentioned in passing, and discussed in historical context,) the authors do explain a great deal about the evolution of Taoist thoughts, philosophies, and interpretation of the Tao Te Ching throughout history.

The volume deals with the problems encountered while trying to evaluate the Tao Te Ching's exact date, authorship, and possible origins, all of which are discussed in great detail, with sources of referene provided for those who wish to do further reading/research.

Discussed, is the inherent problem with the various translations of the text, it's variations, it's style of writing, and potential for confusion and multiple meaning/phonetics.

While someone looking for Taoist rituals and philosophies will find this book a dry read, a historian or researcher will find an invaluable source of knowlege and reference.