Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching

Book Overview

Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.

CHOICE 1997 Outstanding Academic Books

Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching presents a coherent collection of materials on the ancient Chinese classic and its author, describing traditional and modern Western interpretations. Written and edited by recognized international specialists in the field, this book brings Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching together to present current scholarship on their history and interpretation. Contributors include William H. Baxter, Alan K.L. Chan, A.C. Graham, Julia M. Hardy, Yoshiko Kamitsuka, Livia Kohn, Michael LaFargue, Julian Pas, Isabelle Robinet, Benjamin Schwartz, and Liu Xiaogan. Divided into four parts, the book provides a wealth of information on the influential Chinese classic.

Part One, "Ancient Myths," discusses who Lao-tzu was, how he developed into a god of religious Taoism, and how his divinity was represented in medieval Chinese sculpture. Part Two, "Chinese Interpretations," discusses the role of the text in traditional China, studying the major commentaries by Wang Pi and He-shang-kung, looking at about thirty commentaries and their philological and doctrinal interpretations and examining the ritual uses the text found in medieval Taoism. Part Three, "Modern Readings," contains a critical discussion of the Tao-te-ching's reception in the West, a general analysis of its major doctrines, and a contemporary Chinese vision of its possible relevance for life today. Part Four, "Critical Methods," presents recent findings on the Tao-te-ching's linguistic structure and probable date, a historical, hermeneutic enquiry into its original meaning, and an evaluative guide to seventeen major English translations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0791436004
• ISBN13: 9780791436004
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Exceptional Volume of Information

This book is without a doubt, of great value to any serious scholar of Taoism. While not primarily dealing with the philosophies and rituals of Taoism (some are mentioned in passing, and discussed in historical context,) the authors do explain a great deal about the evolution of Taoist thoughts, philosophies, and interpretation of the Tao Te Ching throughout history. The volume deals with the problems encountered while trying to evaluate the Tao Te Ching's exact date, authorship, and possible origins, all of which are discussed in great detail, with sources of referene provided for those who wish to do further reading/research. Discussed, is the inherent problem with the various translations of the text, it's variations, it's style of writing, and potential for confusion and multiple meaning/phonetics. While someone looking for Taoist rituals and philosophies will find this book a dry read, a historian or researcher will find an invaluable source of knowlege and reference.