Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China) [Paperback]

Lao Tzu (Author), Robert G. Henricks (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1992

Lao-tzu's "Te-Tao Ching" has been treasured for thousands of years for its poetic statement of life's most profound and elusive truths. This new translation, based on the 1973 discovery of two copies of the manuscript more than five centuries older than any others known, corrects many defects of the later versions. In his extensive commentary, Professor Henricks reevaluates traditional interpretations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Based on contemporaneous texts discovered by archeologists in China in the last 20 years, this new translation of the Te-tao Ching is very readable and enjoyable yet at the same time meticulously researched and accurate. It has a clear introduction, extensive commentary, and complete notes. A library wanting complete holdings on Chinese philosophy should surely consider this first of a five-volume series on Chinese classics that will appear in the next years. Otherwise, it will suffice to have translations of Lao-Tzu, the Tao (The Way), and/or the Tao-Te Ching by some or all of its past translators, including Stephen Mitchell, Wing-Tsit Chan, H.B. Crill, Witter Byner, Feng and English, Arthur Waley, Lin Yutang, and James Legge.
- Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 30, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345370996
• ISBN-13: 978-0345370990
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Tao Te Ching

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I could only have one translation, it would be this., December 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China) (Paperback)

In studying the Chinese language, you find the combination of the characters can bring forth feelings and un-nameable images. This is why there are so many different translations of the Tao-Te Ching in English, each one painting a slightly different picture in one's mind. This translation begins with an introduction to Taoism. A great overview for anyone unfamiliar with Taoism. Also explained is some common misconceptions most people have about Taoism (like the original texts did not have chapter separations, and "virtue" [te] actually came before "the way" [tao]) The actual translation is broken up into two parts. The first is the Te-Tao in it's poetic form, in English, translated from the new texts. (One of the better English translations I've seen). The second translation is very useful and interesting if you don't speak Chinese and would like to better understand the true meaning of the texts. The original texts are on the right of the page, while the English definition is on the left. Underneath, he adds notes regarding inconsistancies, missing characters, or just insight addressing lines some people often have problems understanding. Overall, if I would suggest one translation of the Te-Tao Ching, it would definately have to be this one. Intelligent and insightful, it allows words written over 2,300 years ago to still make people today smile with understanding.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a technically excellent version of the Tao-Te Ching, March 26, 1999

By 

Brooks Truitt - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China) (Paperback)

If you are looking for technically accurate translation, this is the book to have. Based on the recent Ma-Wang-Tui texts, this is a must have for any serious student of Taoism. Because the Way and Virtue sections(Te-Tao) of the Ma-Wang Tui texts were found inverted from the traditional way (Tao-Te) it sometimes makes comparisons to other texts a little harder. Also, this seems to strive to be more technically accurate than poetic, and I think it loses some 'feeling' in the translation. Any true student of Taoism should have several different copies of the Tao-Te Ching to compare, and this translation should definitly be one of them.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Henrick's excellent translation of the Te-Tao Ching, June 30, 2000

By 

"giovanni77" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China) (Paperback)

The book of Lao Tzu - Te-Tao Ching is one of the ancient Chinese classics of Taoist philosophy that has been read by scholars and translated and published in books many times with varying translation results. It describes the philosophy of Virtue and The Way in 81 short Chapters.

This translation is based on two original manuscripts - named Ma-Wang-Tui - that pre-date the manucripts used in the excellent tranlation by D.C. Lau. In Mr Henricks' translation, he presents two choices for the reader; the translation of the text only, or the translation of the text including commentaries plus both original chinese texts. For each of the 81 chapters either text A or B is used - where the commentaries include comparison analysis between Text A and B.

Besides the translation of the 81 Chapters, information is included about the historical background of the texts to enable the reader to put the meaning and thought of the text into context.

Reading each chapter in this book for me is close to reading poetry that has powerful meaning and thought embedded in it. I recommend this book to people who are interested in Taoist 'thought'. Mr Henricks is a well respected and skilled translator that has done extensive research for this translation. Well worth a 5-star recommendation.

One of my favorite chapters: #20.