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The Tao of Pooh

by Benjamin Hoff

The Tao of Pooh Cover

ISBN13: 9780140067477
ISBN10: 0140067477
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

"Thought-provoking and charming".-- "Library Journal". Not all Great Masters of Wisdom are venerable graybeards. One is as familiar to us as that beloved teddy bear Winnie the Pooh. From the "how" of Pooh to the Tao of Pooh is a simple, effortless, joyous step. . . a delicious journey to Pooh Corner illuminated by the timeless teachings of the Taoist immortals.

Review:

"In a clear and crisp voice, Hoff explains the central tenets of Taoism and further illustrates them with familiar excerpts from The House at Pooh Corner stories, Chinese proverbs, maxims, and tales from Lao Tzu and others. The result is at once thought-provoking and charming. This is a small literary event that will leave all who experience it a little more serene." Library Journal

Synopsis:

The how of Pooh? The Tao of who? The Tao of Pooh!?

One of the world's great Taoist masters isn't Chinese, or a venerable philosopher, but is in fact none other than A. A. Milne's effortlessly calm, still, reflective bear Winnie-the-Pooh. While Eeyore frets and Piglet hesitates and Rabbit calculates and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And that's the clue to the secret wisdom of the Taoists.

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About the Author

Benjamin Hoff is an Oregon writer, photographer, musician, and composer with a fondness for Forests and Bears. A Bachelor of Arts (he thinks his degree was in Asian Art, but then, he hasn't looked at it for a while, and it may not be), he was until recently a Japanese-trained fine pruning specialist. He now writes full time. Well, most of the time. The rest of the time he practices Taoist yoga, Tai Chi Ch'uan, stunt kite-flying, boomerang shaping and (ouch!) throwing, and Taoist tennis, whatever that is. He also enjoys sleeping and lying about the floor.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 4 comments:
Astrid, July 4, 2009 (view all comments by Astrid)
Hoff explores the principles of Taoism through the characters and stories of Winnie the Pooh. This book is a charming and enjoyable read. I remember laughing out loud more than a few times! Hoff uses simple storytelling to explain a philosophy that's all about appreciating the simple things in life. Pooh is the perfect character to illustrate the 'go with the flow' attitude of Taoism. This book is one of my favorites - it's definitely worth reading (and rereading). It changed the way I think about life.
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William Bohrer, September 16, 2008 (view all comments by William Bohrer)
I picked up a copy of this book when it was first published umpteen years back before there was the Internet and online shopping at such venerable institutions like Powells.com, and found it to be a great introduction to Daoism and Chinese spiritual traditions in general. The appeal will probably be lost if you are not fond of Pooh, or familiar with the Pooh stories and characters.

It has always annoyed me that most brick and mortar bookstores still struggle with where to shelve this book, and by and large stick it on the humor shelf next to P.J. O'Rourke and Dave Barry and Garfield collections. This book is certainly amusing, but is also a genuine reflection on how Winnie the Pooh really seems to be the embodiment of a still and calm nature. The fact that it is still in print speaks to its appeal.
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shiseidosky, June 19, 2008 (view all comments by shiseidosky)
I'm about half-way through this book right now, and I already adore it. I like it because explains the concepts of taoism and how they can be applied to every day life. It teaches you how get more enjoyment out of life by simplifying your thoughts and learning to just BE. I highly recommend it :)

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Product Details

ISBN:
9780140067477
Illustrations by:
Shepard, Ernest H.
Based on Characters Created by:
A. A. Milne
Illustrator:
Shepard, Ernest H.
Author:
Hoff, Benjamin
Publisher:
Penguin Books
Location:
New York, N.Y. :
Subject:
General
Subject:
History
Subject:
Children
Subject:
Taoism
Subject:
Wit and humor
Subject:
Milne, a. a. (alan alexander), 1882-1956
Subject:
Children's stories, English
Subject:
Teddy bears in literature.
Subject:
Taoism in literature.
Subject:
Winnie-the-Pooh
Subject:
Eastern - Taoism
Subject:
Taoist
Subject:
Religion
Subject:
Children -- Books and reading.
Copyright:
1983
Series Volume:
E-16
Publication Date:
July 1983
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
158
Dimensions:
7.24x5.08x.47 in. .30 lbs.
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