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

by Lao Tzu (Author), Robert G. Henricks (Translator) "Because readers of the Te-tao ching fall into two groups with different levels of expertise, I have repeated the translation in two independent segments..." (more)
Key Phrases: disgrace with alarm, uncarved wood, tui texts, Wing-tsit Chan, Profound Virtue, Chou Tz'u-chi (more...)

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.

Product Description
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.


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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 30, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345370996
• ISBN-13: 978-0345370990
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,697 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 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

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.

24 of 26 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" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting look at new versions of the text, June 9, 2001

By	Richard L. Rankin (Madison, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The reviewer Mr. Forrest couldn't understand why the translator changed the name of the text or re-ordered the two parts. If he had read the book he would know that Ma-Wang-Tui texts had this ordering in the original. He would also know that since the two parts are known as the "Tao" and the "Te" ("the way" and "the virtue"), the naming of the book is perfectly appropriate. Mr. Henricks divides his book into two parts also. The first is a straight-forward translation. The second contains the translation as well as comments, notes and original Chinese from the two Ma-Wang-Tui texts used. If you're not interested in chinese philosophy and history, this probably won't appeal to you. You can always get one of the new age, tao-of-pooh type versions.