Customer Reviews

Zhuangzi (Library of Chinese Classics: Chinese-English edition: 2 Volumes) (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Complete Chinese text with parallel English translation, not recommended as an introduction to Zhuangzi.

The Chinese has been translated into modern characters, printed very clearly. Volume II has a bilingual table of nouns and terms.

" . . . In our translation, we follow the principle of conveying the essence of the original in fluent contemporary English and preserving its artistic value. To the extent that the English readers will think it proper, we stick to the "literal" translation; in cases where misunderstanding might arise, we resort to a "free" translation. ....In a few case where sentence translation might not suffice to express the meaning, we used explanations. This practice seems to work out better because the readers do not have to stop to read the notes. There are also cases where we add something to the "speech without words" and "meaning between the lines". It is up to the readers to judge whether these practices have achieved their aim..."
P 78 Wang Rongpei

In other words, more matter and less art. The resulting Englished text is padded out where there should be `"speech without words" and "meaning between the lines"`. This is most noticeable with the Inner Chapters where the poetic philosophy is never allowed to speak for itself, and is smothered further by the lack of episodic breaks within the chapters. The more prosaic Miscellaneous Chapters, Volume II, work better.

So an English version to be read, not for its own sake, but as [the official?] guide to the original Chinese.

PS There is some quaint phrase-book phrasing in places, and the following error on page 85 which could be emended before any future printing.

"A man with club feet, hunchback and no lips went to offer his counsels to Duke Ling of Wei. The duke was so pleased with him that when he looked at normal people, he felt that their necks were much too lean and small. A man with a big tumour on his neck went to offer his counsels to Duke Huan of Qi. The duke was so pleased with him that when he looked at normal people, he felt that their necks were much too lean and small. "

(I leave it to you, dear reader, to replace the mistakenly repeated sentence with your own preferred translation.)

Very good book. I appreciate if there are more analysis or appreciation in views or oppinion for reference, thank you.