Publisher Description

The Daodejing is a taproot of Chinese thinking, a hallmark of Eastern philosophy, a world literary masterpiece, and gift to mankind. Though small in size, it treats a variety of important issues and has inspired many great minds. In number of translations, it is second on to the Bible. However, existing versions are either loose or interpolative. As the many experts cited in this book show, they frequently misunderstand or misinterpret Laocius, complicate the simple or render the obscure by the more obscure. They dilute the text and destroy many of its properties, and they often reflect the understanding of the translator rather than the intent of the author.

The reason for this translation is that it is literal, yet critical. The literal nature is evident when comparing the juxtaposed Chinese and English texts. Further, like the original, it is terse, logical, and consistent. In other words, it aims to measure up to Laocius' reputation and the reader's expectation.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part I: Daojing (The Book of the Way)
Part 2 Part II: Dejing (The Book of Virtue)

Review

Rarely has a translator gained such a deep insight into Laocius' mind. -- Professor Hu Dalei, Chinese Classicist
The readers will truly enjoy this book and thank the writer for it. -- Cynthia Sherman, Literary Critic
Recommendeddddd * China Review International *
[Hsu] makes the work accessible to even the least acquainted with Eastern culture, both by his attention to translating the words and ideas accurately, and by his crucial commentaries and erudite notes....The Daodejing has often been acclaimed for its simplicity, forcefulness, and profundity, and Joseph Hsu's translation does justice to them all. -- Michael P. Howley
Recommended * China Review International *

Long Description

The Daodejing is a taproot of Chinese thinking, a hallmark of Eastern philosophy, a world literary masterpiece, and gift to mankind. Though small in size, it treats a variety of important issues and has inspired many great minds. In number of translations, it is second on to the Bible. However, existing versions are either loose or interpolative. As the many experts cited in this book show, they frequently misunderstand or misinterpret Laocius, complicate the simple or render the obscure by the more obscure. They dilute the text and destroy many of its properties, and they often reflect the understanding of the translator rather than the intent of the author. The reason for this translation is that it is literal, yet critical. The literal nature is evident when comparing the juxtaposed Chinese and English texts. Further, like the original, it is terse, logical, and consistent. In other words, it aims to measure up to Laocius' reputation and the reader's expectation.

Review Quote

The readers will truly enjoy this book and thank the writer for it.

Details