The Way of Lao Tzu [Paperback]

Wing-tsit Chan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0023207000 | ISBN-13: 978-0023207006 | Publication Date: January 11, 1963

Library of Liberal Arts title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Library of Liberal Arts title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (January 11, 1963)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0023207000
• ISBN-13: 978-0023207006
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of "The Way of Lao-Tzu" -- Wing-Tsit Chan, Tr., January 11, 2007

By 

R. Savage (Napa, CA 94558) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of Lao Tzu (Paperback)

This translation of the Tao-te ching was made in 1963 by a Chinese scholar and professor of philosophy and religion. I believe I have checked out most other translations, and think this is the one to consider. It has a degree of precision and poetry not found elsewhere, and for those who want scholarship, there are notes, commentary and references. Consider these two passages: "For to praise victory is to delight in the slaughter of men"; and "The best (rulers) are those whose existence is (merely) known by the people."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation, October 1, 2008

By 

Raphael Tobar (Miami, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of Lao Tzu (Paperback)

I was searching for the best scholarly researched and easily accessible book on Lao Tzu's Taoism, and I can't but help that the best translation (and commentary) is by Wing-Tsit Chan. Because of the translator's enlightening, clear way of explaining most of the passages, I was able to understand Taoism as a philosophy instead of a mere "self-help" tool like most of the translations I have seen. The translator is critical of the passages like a professional philosopher and scholar should, and also begins with a long introductory essay about the origins, a summary on Taoism's main points of view, the supposed author, and under the context the book was written.

It definitely convinced me that Taoism is a wonderful school of thought, and perhaps make you a true believer in its principles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just read the first chapter, September 19, 2011

By 

sassman12 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Lao Tzu (Paperback)

I used to peruse through bookstores looking at the different translations of the Tao-te ching--specifically the first chapter. Wing-Tsit Chan just blows you away right off the bat. The other often-read translators don't even come close, IMO.