Tao Te Ching [Hardcover]

Lao Tzu (Author), Stephen Little (Illustrator), Stephen Mitchell (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

Do you want to improve the world? I don't think it can be done. The world is sacred. It can't be improved. If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it. Stephen Mitchell's translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way) has sold over half a million copies worldwide. In this edition, Mitchell's text is set against ancient Chinese paintings selected by Asian art expert, Dr Stephen Little.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." -- -- The New Republic

"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." -- The New Republic

"Stephen Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our times as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, large-heartedness, and deep wisdom." -- Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man --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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711212783
• ISBN-13: 978-0711212787
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Tao Te Ching
  • #91 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Taoism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Somehow I don't think Old Master Lao would mind., May 16, 2001

By 

tepi "tepi" - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey (Hardcover)

I was a bit bothered by Stephen Mitchell's version at first, but after spending more time with it begin to have second thoughts. It's true that he hasn't given us a literal reading of Lao Tzu's text. He's dropped bits here and there, and seems to have sneaked in a few bits of his own. But hey! Surely a guy who has survived fourteen years of Zen torture, erh... training, has some rights?

In effect what Mitchell has done is to give us a stripped-down and interpreted and simplified version of the Tao Te Ching. This strategy has led to some very real benefits. Most of the obscure parts, parts that even have Chinese scholars scratching their heads, seem to have pretty well gone. What has been left is the essence, and it stands out clearly.

Frankly I don't think you'll miss much of Lao Tzu's message. No important notion seems to have been lost. And Mitchell's language has a wonderful simplicity and directness. Here's an example chosen at random from Chapter 9, with my slash marks to indicate line breaks:

"Chase after money and security / and your heart will never unclench. / Care about people's approval / and you will be their prisoner."

These are important truths. Two of the many in this text that we do well to keep in mind. And "unclench" - the heart as a tight clenched fist - is a very nice touch. Of course, it isn't exactly what Lao Tzu said. But somehow I don't think Old Master Lao would mind. In fact, he'd probably be honored by the paintings too.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words cannot touch the Splendor of this book, July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey (Hardcover)

Dear Fellow Readers,

I would give this book an infinity of stars if possible. I have read about 10 translations of this ageless book, but this one is really unique. All translations are great and I recommend you read this book in any translation if you can.

This very short book gives insight into the greatest mysteries of life from a truly humble and enlightened master. Unlike other 'scriptures' (which were modified by power-greedy priests and politicians in their attempt to control the masses) full of dogmas, dos and donts, this Jewel has not been touched by fools.

This is a Spring of Immortal Wisdom and Divine Elixir. This book has in it the core of all religions or spiritual paths - be them Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist or whatever: letting go of all, we are ready to embrace all.

ONENESS with all that is is the ultimate freedom and joy. We are already enlightened, as we have always been. We are the ONE Itself.

Replace Tao with God and you will get one of the most Christian books ever written. Replace Tao with Brahman and you will get one of the most Hindu books ever written.

The simplicity and depth of this book reaches (if not surpasses) the heights of Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other ageless books.

I read this book more than 100 times in the last 3 years and each time I feel empowered by it. To live in ONENESS is to live in BLISS.

After reading countless books from all religions, few (if any) reach the depth, simplicity, modesty, wisdom and practicality of this very short book.

This book is so short, in one hour you can read it. But the nectar of wisdom in it will make you wanna read it over and over and embody what is written there... for the ONE is the source of all ecstasy, all peace, and all bliss.

Peace, a human

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely the Prettiest Tao Te Ching, July 24, 2005

By 

Andrew Beaulac (Whidbey Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey (Hardcover)

I have come to have a fondness and deep appreciation for Mitchell's work and choices of subjects. I bought this translation because of high praise for it hidden in one of Jim Harrison's poems. This version is, perhaps, the most readable of all I have encountered. Many people find it inspiring and that must be why it is such an acclaimed translation. Having dealt with a dozen or so translations and the texts behind them, I do note that Mitchell takes some liberties. His is a very idiomatic translation, which often reads better than word-for-word literalness, the latter often proving too wooden to be enjoyable or clear. And Mitchell might even omit a few phrases or add one here or there. But the spirit is all Lao Tzu. Also, the volume is full of the most exquisite ancient Chinese illustrations, making it the most beautiful of any of my Tao Te Chings.