Tao Te Ching: A New English Version

by Stephen Mitchell, Stephen Mitchell (Translator)

Overview

The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780060812454
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	01/28/1900
Series:	Harper Perennial
Edition description:	Compact
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	3.50(w) x 5.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Stephen Mitchell's many books include the bestselling Tao Te Ching, Gilgamesh, and The Second Book of the Tao, as well as The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, The Gospel According to Jesus, Bhagavad Gita, The Book of Job, and Meetings with the Archangel.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	vii
I.	Tao Ching	1
II.	Te Ching	43
	Notes	93
	Key Terms: An Outline of Lao Tzu's Thought	95

What People are Saying About This

Wing-Tsit Chan

No one can understand Chinese philosophy, religion, art or social ethics without reading the Te-Tao Ching. We welcome, therefore, the translation of the recently discovered, the earliest, the most authentic texts.

James Frey

“I have read many translations of this ancient text but Mitchell’s is by far the best.”

Huston Smith

Embodies the virtues its translator credits to the original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom. -- Author of The Religions of Man

Louise Erdrich

"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."

Josh Waitzkin

With [this translation], you feel a very powerful grounding. -- International Master in Chess

Editorial Reviews

Hinton carefully and meticulously weaves Lao Tzu's philosophy and poetry into its historical, philosophical, and political context.... There is something fresh about Hinton's translation that goes right to the heart of how we ourselves live.

Francette Cerullis

Stephen Mitchell's rendition fo 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

Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout.

New Republic

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