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Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) Paperback – September 5, 2006

by Lao Tzu (Author), Stephen Mitchell (Translator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,472 ratings
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The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time 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, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper Perennial Modern Classics
  4. Publication date
    September 5, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.32 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780061142666
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0061142666
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time 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, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

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

"I read the Stephen Mitchell translation of the Tao Te Ching in one sitting, three times. It is stunning, so lovely. It is a treasure." — Louise Erdrich

"Mitchell's great talent is to communicate with the profound simplicity utterly appropriate for this task. The obscure has been made transparent and available." — Common Boundary

“I have read many translations of this ancient text but Mitchell’s is by far the best.” — James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces

From the Back Cover

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.

Stephen Mitchell's bestselling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0061142662
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint edition (September 5, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780061142666
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061142666
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.32 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,472 ratings

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Lao Tzu

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,472 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the simple translation and straightforward presentation. The philosophies are thought-provoking and provide insights into life. Many readers find the book in good condition, not frayed or damaged. However, some customers have issues with the formatting and value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityTranslation qualityThought provokingSturdinessBeautyShort readValue for moneyBook formatting
82 customers mention "Readability"77 positive5 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They say it's a quick, thought-provoking read that stays accessible for readers used to English prose or contemporary poetry. The book offers philosophical truths while remaining accessible to those used to reading English prose or contemporary poems.

"...The translator is very, very respected, and what we are reading is excellent, and is perfectly timed for our spiritual journey...." Read more

"...It is a book for the true winners, who understand that karma is practical, and that compassion is the path to real success...." Read more

"For the price the condition was good. Great book." Read more

"This translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell is first rate...." Read more

61 customers mention "Translation quality"50 positive11 negative

Customers find the translation easy to understand and straightforward. They appreciate the simple presentation that matches the original. The book is described as a well-crafted guide to finding true happiness.

"We've folded this into our morning readings. The translator is very, very respected, and what we are reading is excellent, and is perfectly timed..." Read more

"...often each occupying less than a single page, this book is a masterfully crafted guide to find real happiness and fulfillment in your life...." Read more

"...So it is a fantastic way of seeing the Daodejing. But if you want to hear what Lao-tzu actually said, look to another version...." Read more

"My favorite Tao Te Ching. Simple and clear.It is a joy to read. Highly recommended." Read more

59 customers mention "Thought provoking"55 positive4 negative

Customers find the book enlightening and helpful for getting a good perspective on life. They enjoy the philosophies and find it easy to read, providing insight into oneself. The book is rooted in spiritual truths while remaining accessible, and the author brings his Zen understandings to the text. Overall, readers describe it as a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

"...and what we are reading is excellent, and is perfectly timed for our spiritual journey. Would highly recommend this translation...." Read more

"...has helped me make difficult business decisions, cut through the unimportant details and roadblocks, optimize my time, and improve my relations with..." Read more

"Practical human advice." Read more

"...in learning the meaning of the Tao, and as a first step to being one with the universe...." Read more

6 customers mention "Sturdiness"6 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the book's condition. They mention it's new, not frayed, torn, or marked.

"...The cover design is an added bonus. The book arrived quickly and in good shape" Read more

"Good condition" Read more

"Great book.In great shape. Cover different than pictured but everything else as expected. Thanks" Read more

"excellent condition" Read more

5 customers mention "Beauty"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They appreciate the translation and expression of the Tao Te Ching. The book provides an engaging look at what makes life fulfilling.

"...or other such articulations, but rather a fundamental, deep, and moving look at what makes up a fulfilling life...." Read more

"Most beautiful, inspiring and transformative interpretation of the Tao that I have ever read. Wow!..." Read more

"This is a beautiful, down to earth, version of the Tao...." Read more

"Beautiful and readable translation. I'm reading it slowing to really understand it and ingest it." Read more

5 customers mention "Short read"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a short, sweet read. They mention it's written as a collection of very short, almost poem-like chapters, often each occupying less than a page. The book is described as a classic text that is beautifully translated.

"...Written as a collection of very short, almost poem-like chapters, often each occupying less than a single page, this book is a masterfully crafted..." Read more

"...It's a short read and it's a book that is useful to reread multiple times...." Read more

"...Simple yet powerful. Short yet profound. A masterpiece." Read more

"A classic text, beautifully translated" Read more

10 customers mention "Value for money"3 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the book's value for money. Some find it a good value and in good condition for the price, while others think it's a waste of money and a bootleg copy. The quality seems to vary from one reader to another, with some finding it good and meaningful while others say it's not very good.

"...the annotations in the back can be a little... esoteric and unnecessary, at times, but on the other hand some comments were really good.)..." Read more

"...It is simply a disingenuous work to make lots of $$$ off of the spiritually yearning, but disenfranchised masses...." Read more

"For the price the condition was good. Great book." Read more

"...Even at $0.99, it's a total rip-off and a waste of money." Read more

4 customers mention "Book formatting"0 positive4 negative

Customers dislike the book formatting. They say it's a mess with jumbled, linear prose text without space.

"...If it is, he is not credited in the Kindle edition. The formatting is horrible. Don't buy the kindle edition." Read more

"Kindle format is unreadable. Don't buy." Read more

"The Kindle edition is garbage. The formatting sucks, it's basically unreadable. Even at $0.99, it's a total rip-off and a waste of money." Read more

"its a mess of format, all jumbled, linear prose text with no space and not Stephen Mitchell ! returned it!" Read more

I love this and his wife's Work
5 out of 5 stars
I love this and his wife's Work
Very well written. Poetic; he hit the mark. I love this and his wife's Work. This is perhaps my favorite translation yet. Thank you.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Braxton Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, don't change a thing, this translation rocks, and is a great purchase.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    We've folded this into our morning readings. The translator is very, very respected, and what we are reading is excellent, and is perfectly timed for our spiritual journey. Would highly recommend this translation. Eckhart Tolle has endorsed this translation, and that is more than good enough for me.
    Helpful
     Report
  • J
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly profound and enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I had no idea what to expect of this book when It arrived. I turned it over in my hands and it was clearly very short in length, so I decided to just read a few pages while I finished my morning coffee.

    One and a half hours later I had finished the book entirely, along with my coffee, and I immediately knew upon completion that I would read this book many, many more times in my life.

    It was a highly profound, dare I say life changing read that dramatically impacted my perspective towards my own happiness and how I interact with others. Written as a collection of very short, almost poem-like chapters, often each occupying less than a single page, this book is a masterfully crafted guide to find real happiness and fulfillment in your life. It is a tome that empowers you, humbles you, and leads you around the pitfalls that so many humans fall into throughout their lives.

    It is not a modern self help book with life-hacks, habit forming tips, or other such articulations, but rather a fundamental, deep, and moving look at what makes up a fulfilling life.

    If you are someone who has discovered mindfulness, explores meditation, or ponders philosophy, then this book is, without question, a must-read.

    And if you are more of a go-getter. A driven entrepreneurial type who is looking more or straightforward advice on building your business, achieving goals and finding ‘success’, then I encourage you more-so than anyone else to pick this book up.

    It has helped me make difficult business decisions, cut through the unimportant details and roadblocks, optimize my time, and improve my relations with my clients and really everyone else in my life for that matter. It is a book for the true winners, who understand that karma is practical, and that compassion is the path to real success.

    It is a book that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I feel indebted to the author and translator for bringing its wisdom into the world.
    278 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Zachariah Monson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book condition great
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    For the price the condition was good. Great book.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Brian Pawlak
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Bible
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Practical human advice.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • outastate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tao
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell is first rate. I highly recommend this translation to anyone with an interest in learning the meaning of the Tao, and as a first step to being one with the universe. If you would like to learn more on Eastern Philosophy I highly recommend any translations by Thomas Cleary.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Bob Farrell
    4.0 out of 5 stars It is what it is
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The book's jacket tells you that it isn't a straight up translation, so don't look for one here. It is an interpretation, translating ancient Chinese concepts into modern English allegories. In this sense, it is an awesome way of learning the Daodejing. It brings Lao-tzu's intentions to the modern thinker. So it is a fantastic way of seeing the Daodejing. But if you want to hear what Lao-tzu actually said, look to another version. I will point out that many Daoist tell you to read many translations to get the full power of The Way. But which first? This one is a contender.
    20 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Stan
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Tao
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My favorite Tao Te Ching. Simple and clear.It is a joy to read. Highly recommended.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Traveler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enlightening
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent addition to my research
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Josh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best spiritual text
    Reviewed in France on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is the text that for me, captures the very essence of life! Stephen Mitchell has done a tremendous job in his translation. The physical book is a nice, crisp paperback.
    Report
  • fs
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno pero incomodo de leerlo
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 19, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    El libro es excelente, pero la organizacion de los capitulos y la explicacion hace que sea incomodo leerlo. Lo ideal seria que cada capitulo tenga su explicacion inmediatamente despues.
    Report
  • customer trillion
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best books I have ever engaged with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the best books I have ever engaged with. I cannot recommend it more highly. A beautiful gift for anyone with any spiritual / philosophical curiosity and passion. I read this book over and over and over again. It is more than a book it is a tool, a window, a companion.The version of the Tao Te Ching here is poetic and profound. The introduction alone is worth buying the book for.
    2 people found this helpful
     Report
  • XO5
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent translation
    Reviewed in Australia on July 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    poetic translation of one of the most magical books of all time -- this is re-readable and only takes one sitting to read -- you will learn more of life the more times you read it
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  • Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If you like Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching, this is an excellent buy. I find Mitchell's translation to be simple and yet very eloquent. It does not feel like a 'westernized' translation, nor does it feel incomprehensible.

    This book is really beautiful. Before buying it, I thought it might be too plain, or utilitarian when I saw the gray cover. Upon getting the book and opening it, I was very pleased. The pages are a creamy colour with beautiful numbering of the 'chapters' in red at the top of each page. The spacing of words and verses in the book make it very attractive and accessible for a short reading session or reading through the entire book in a single sitting.

    Ultimately, my notes above are rather irrelevant to why you might enjoy this book. The Tao Te Ching is a wonderful work of wisdom. It's lessons are beautiful and resonate with one's inner nature. The Tao is one of many sources to draw spiritual instruction and refreshment from. I suggest reading it through many times and meditating on certain parts and see where that takes you.

    The Tao is priceless, this copy of the Tao Te Ching is excellent value for the price.
    Report