Tao Te Ching [Paperback]

Lao Tze (Author), Stephen Hodge (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 2001

The Tao Te Ching is a classic work of ancient Chinese philosophy. It has been translated into virtually every written language in the world, with more than 60 versions existing in English alone. This brand-new translation with modern commentary by a student of Eastern Asian culture is of unusual value in that it reflects recent manuscript discoveries in China. Examined in light of modern scholarship methods, the discoveries suggest that previous translations of this seminal philosophical work are wrong in several important details. Stephen Hodge's commentaries explore the Tao Te Ching by placing its concepts and observations in the context of ancient Chinese culture, and then pointing out the philosophy's key ideas as they relate to the lives of men and women today. In discussing the limitations of words and language, he emphasizes our need to go beyond words in our quest for universal truths. The philosophical work's traditional 81 short chapters are arranged thematically, and are supplemented with commentary that explains both the ancient and modern significance of each text. More than 100 photographs complement the text with scenes of natural peace and serenity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

More than five dozen translations of the Tao te Ching exist in English, making it questionable whether there is a need for yet another. But Stephen Hodge's Tao te Ching: A New Translation and Commentary is revisionist enough to warrant a look. He spends a good part of the introduction situating Lao Tzu's work in the context of the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.E.), even to the point of neglecting to tell the reader much about the content of the text itself. He also discusses the perplexing question of authorship and outlines various translation difficulties. The remainder of the book is more accessible, and is organized thematically to help the reader understand the Tao te Ching's key ideas. Hodge writes well, and the book is beautifully designed with more than 100 photographs and illustrations.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

For centuries the Tao Te Ching has intrigued and inspired generations of readers. This ancient Chinese classic text is regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. The guiding principle of the Tao (the ?Way?) offers advice for life that is balanced, moral, spiritual, and concerned with working for the good in whatever sphere its wisdom is applied.

The insights of the Tao Te Ching have been rediscovered in this new edition of the text. Arranged thematically, the profound and beautiful language of the verses is elucidated with a commentary that explains its ancient and modern significance, and draws on the most recent discoveries to deepen our understanding of this seminal philosophical classic.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (December 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764121685
• ISBN-13: 978-0764121685
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful and up-to-date translation and commentary, March 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

(A review of Stephen Hodge's Daodejing)
I have many different translations of the Dao De Jing and this one is very good. It relies on the most recent scholarly research and archaeological finds. Hodge, who is an ordained Buddhist monk, provides insightful and easily understood commentary. I don't think it is a "Buddhist biased" translation at all - which is good. His version of the Dao De Jing is organized into topical sections, where all passages relevant to "Language and guidance" or "the art of governing" for example, are put together. (He does include a "finding list" for those wanting 2 compare his translations with those following traditional chapter divisions.) It has a great introduction also of 26 pages. The 2-tone pictures which cover the entirety of every page are beautiful.

About the authorship of the DDJ he writes, "Looking at the Daodejing itself, we can discern several strands of thought running through the sayings, which are likely to have had their origins with distinct groups of people who later merged to form the religio-philosophical movement we now call Daoism. . . there is no unified philosophy in the Daodejing. Instead we have a collection of proverbs and sayings, lines from popular songs, and sagely aphorisms that resonated with the worldview of the various contributers. Often they added their own secondary comments and explanations . . . [however] there is no reason to suppose that each contributing group to the Daodejing existed in isolation - no doubt they exchanged ideas and even merged as time went on." (pgs 21-26)

Highly recommended!
Bao Pu

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fresh Translation and Unique Study of the Tao Te Ching, February 11, 2009

By 

Barry J. Shortt (St. Louis,MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Illustrated Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

Of the five translations of the Tao Te Ching I have studied thus far this is the most unique and probably the best. The author has made use of some ancient texts not previously available to the earlier translators, and has approached the subject with more academic rigor than I have yet seen. The book begins with a 25-page introduction covering the people, events, and philosophies of ancient China that helped form this classic work. The 81 verses have been arranged "thematically" and each is accompanied by a commentary that is an immense help in understanding the often cryptic messages. This approach allows the verses to reinforce each other and brings a deeper understanding and better clarity of meaning. The author has removed some of the mystery and poetic license found in other translations, and has made the "Way" more accessible and even more convincing while retaining beauty in writing and illustration.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, May 15, 2010

By 

Bao Pu (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illustrated Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

I have read dozens of translations of the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) and Stephen Hodge's deserves to be much more popular. The introduction and translation itself are very good. The nice pictures are a bonus. Both scholars and laypeople alike should have no trouble with this book. Try to get yourself a copy.