Tao Te Ching

By Laozi

Here is a fresh and unique translation of the venerable T o T Ching-able to be renewed by being rooted in the oldest available manuscripts. Rigorous in its approach and unflinching in its resolve to seek accuracy and uncover the original author's intent, over 1500 hours were spent by the translator on this project. This is definitely unlike the numerous "paraphrase" translations; the translations which must conform to convention, and depend on the passed down and polished and later texts.

This is something much different. A translation that is the result of over a thousand hours of working closely with the earliest known versions of the Tao T Ching: The Guodian Bamboo Slips and the Mawangdui Silk Manuscripts (A and B), along with the Heshang Gong commentary used supplementally when deemed necessary. And a translator committed to using any and all means available to reach the heart of the manuscripts.
Each chapter has been translated with care-character by character-and included visually inspecting manuscript images, etymological reconstruction, historical-linguistic analysis to identify possible textual drift, researching cultural contexts, and identifying scribal errors and edits.

This translation does not attempt to modernize, harmonize with other versions, nor commodify the simple and "raw" original message of the Laozi text.

If you have interest in or curiosity about: The T o T Ching itself, T oism in general, or even just philosophy, here is an opportunity to experience and explore roots of ancient meanings, with centuries of later shine and polish peeled away.
Is this just a "different" version or one much closer to the original version? Only you can decide that. And you are invited to dive in and see for yourself

This version includes translator notes and brief commentary on various chapters.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FP9JRT9J
• ISBN13: 9798292133148
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"