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Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu and Le Guin

Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

No other English translation of this greatest of the Chinese classics can match Ursula Le Guin's striking new version. Le Guin, best known for thought-provoking science fiction novels that have helped to transform the genre, has studied the Tao Te Ching for more than forty years. She has consulted the literal translations and worked with Chinese scholars to develop a version that lets the ancient text speak in a fresh way to modern people, while remaining faithful to the poetic beauty of the work. Avoiding scholarly interpretations and esoteric Taoist insights, she has revealed the Tao Te Ching 's immediate relevance and power, its depth and refreshing humor, in a way that shows better than ever before why it has been so much loved for more than 2,500 years. Included are Le Guin's own personal commentary and notes on the text. This new version is sure to be welcomed by the many readers of the Tao Te Ching as well as those coming to the text for the first time.

Synopsis:

Now in paperback--a richly poetic version of the Taoist classic by one of America's leading literary figures.
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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
Hermester Barrington, April 15, 2008 (view all comments by Hermester Barrington)
A simple, beautiful rendition of the Tao Te Ching

The protagonists of Le Guin's work are no strangers to the Tao Te Ching: they struggle with the question of how to live properly in the world, how to work with others to create little countries without many people, working by not working to create ambiguous utopias, the only kind that have any chance at longevity. Many of her works are in fact commentaries on, and practice of, the Tao.

It is fitting, then, that she should publish her own rendition of the Tao Te Ching. Her version is poetic without obscuring meaning, uses everyday language without being dry, and emphasizes the humor that a more uptight translator might miss or be inclined to overlook: it wouldn't be the Way if there weren't jokes about it, as her translation says. I myself was introduced to the Tao Te Ching through Le Guin's works, and I am grateful for a chance to have her Tao all in one place at last. Her notes are also useful, especially in telling us the various strengths and weaknesses of the translations she consulted to create her own version.

Le Guin was not content with merely printing her rendition, however: she has recorded it on audiocassette as well. Her voice is beautiful in the manner that the Tao is beautiful: gentle and therefore strong, tranquil and calming, and therefore compelling, unpretentious and yet authoritative. It flows like water, and yet is deep, rich, and earthy at the same time. Ms. Le Guin could not have trained her voice to have these Tao characteristics: it is a gift, I suspect, that comes of long familiarity with the Tao, and one which she shares here with us. The book and tape are recommended for those who want to read an inviting version of the Tao, as well as those who are familiar with Le Guin's work and want to learn more about her sources.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9781570623950
Subtitle:
A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way
Introduction:
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Translator:
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Introduction:
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Author:
Tzu, Lao
Author:
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Introduction:
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Publisher:
Shambhala Publications
Location:
Boston
Subject:
Comparative Religion
Subject:
Taoism
Subject:
Eastern
Subject:
Tao te ching
Subject:
Lao-tzu
Subject:
Eastern - General
Edition Number:
1st pbk. ed.
Edition Description:
Sources: p. 108-110.
Series Volume:
v. 4
Publication Date:
October 1998
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Pages:
125
Dimensions:
8.06x6.46x.44 in. .44 lbs.
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