Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China)

The reviewer Mr. Forrest couldn't understand why the translator changed the name of the text or re-ordered the two parts. If he had read the book he would know that Ma-Wang-Tui texts had this ordering in the original. He would also know that since the two parts are known as the "Tao" and the "Te" ("the way" and "the virtue"), the naming of the book is perfectly appropriate. Mr. Henricks divides his book into two parts also. The first is a straight-forward translation. The second contains the translation as well as comments, notes and original Chinese from the two Ma-Wang-Tui texts used. If you're not interested in chinese philosophy and history, this probably won't appeal to you. You can always get one of the new age, tao-of-pooh type versions.

This philosophical classic is one of the most important books ever compiled. Comparing more than 30 translations of it line by line, character by character, I almost invariably settle upon Henrick's translation as the authoritative one. Usually by a very wide margin. Respectful, insightful and disciplined, you will not find a translation that more fairly serves the great classic and its fragile message.

sold to me as a used book, but it arrived looking brand new. The book itself is the most phenomenal look into the past, present and future I have ever been gifted to gaze.

Very nice literal translation from the old texts. Provides insight for those who have read many versions. Scholarly. Literal phrasing based on classic translations. These literal versions sometimes miss the deeper meaning which Taoism contains.For the average person who has not read many versions I would recommend reading these two great versions first:(1) The Secret Tao: Uncovering the hidden history and meaning of Lao Tzu (D.W. Kreger)(2) Tao Te Ching (Perennial Classics) by Stephen Mitchell

I originally became aquainted with this book in the 90's, it is not a hard or laborious read, this has to be one of the greatest peices of literature in existence, not neccesarly this edition, but this book itself, this edition is good as well, was the first edition of this book I read, which is why I wanted this edition again.all study and worship of truth is the same.

Great additional perspective on a work I already love. The evolutions of the text discussed here are very informative, and the commentary is readable and clear. Great edition for anyone with a deep interest and curiosity about the work.

There is no translation of chapter 40. The book goes from chapter 39 on pg.8 to chapter 41 on pg.9 in the English translation. The Chinese chapter 40 is on pg. 105 with notes in English on pg.104.

This is flat out the very best translation of Lao Tzu that I have ever read. The translations are more clear, more precice than anything else I've seen. Forget fancy pictures. The words speak volumes for themselves. If you only get 1 copy of Lao Tzu, make it the ROBERT HENRICKS translation. You will not be disappointed.

I cant speak for accuracy, but this translation shed light on a few verses that were confusing me.

If you want an analysis of the Dao, this one's for you. I couldn't get into it.

Henricks' translation is straightforward and scholarly. It is largely clear and literal with the onus on being faithful to the Ma-wang texts. He does not indulge in poetic conceits in English, which I am glad of. Also, unlike some other transations of Lao Tzu, one does not get the impression that the translator is in any way trying to push his own philosophical agenda.Henricks provides copious notes on passages where the interpretation is disputable. All in all, I think he does a very good job, and his commentry is invaluable when reading the translation in conjuction with the Chinese.Both of the Ma-wang texts are reproduced in this book, rendered into legible (if a little small) regular script. However, neither of these are complete; Henricks clearly consulted later, 'received' texts of the classic in order to fill in the many gaps, but you will not find these in the book. Given the large amount of white space lying fallow on all the pages with Chinese text, I think it's a pity that he did not include a standard version of the text for convenient comparison; particularly considering the numerous references in the notes to how the Ma-wang texts differ from it. Henricks also divides the (originally undifferentiated) Ma-wang texts in the eighty-one chapters corresponding with the later versions. Clearly, the notion that the reader will want to compare the two could not have been far from his mind.Reference to Chinese words in English sections of the book is done without tone markings/numbers or parenthesised characters, which irks me. All romanisation is in Wade-Giles, which might well irk people who prefer pinyin. Had he included characters then following up many of his references would have been made considerably easier.Aside from these minor matters concerning the contents of this book, I feel I must deduct a star or two on account of the physical quality of the paperback edition. Unfortunately it is rather poor. The pages are very thin and the binding is flimsy. It is one of those books that will start looking tatty very quickly if used a lot.I have a hardback copy of Sun Tzu's Art of Warfare from the same 'Classics of Ancient China' series, however, and it is solid, well-bound and of excellent quality. With this being the case, I would urge readers to pay a little more for the hardback version of this title.