Tao Te Ching: The Classic Book of Integrity and the Way

I'm disappointed by this translation. I've owned a few (3) copies of the Tao Te Ching and only once have I been wowed. The other two (including this one) feel empty and are confusing and only make sense when read in the context of other translations so that the general message is conveyed by something online, and then in this book I can read it as a way of garnering a slightly different perspective. On its own, however, this translation does *not* make me feel the Tao, as I have whilst reading other books (I hope to someday find the edition/translator/publisher/version I once had but lost). I suppose as an academic tool this book has SOME value, but as a spiritual guide its efforts are lost on me entirely :(

Victor Mair is a well-known scholar of Classical Chinese, and I feel that of the many translations of the Tao Te Ching, his is the best by far! Thanks in part due to the discovery of the Ma Wang Tui scrolls, this book provides a refreshing change to the cookie-cutter translations I have seen in the past, and in the back of the book goes into great deal on why he translated thing the way he did.As a amateur in Classical Chinese myself, I feel that Mr. Mair's translation is definitely the most accurate in relation to the general mood of the time in China, when many other such classics were being written (Confucius's Analects for example). Many of these classics drew upon the same pool of ideas, and this particular translation shows the mood of that time better than any other I have seen. Most translations tend to interpret words and phrases in a modern light, but Mair's is true to philosophy of the time.I also like the detailed analysis that Mair does in comparing the Tao with other religions in Asia (in particular Judaism and Hinduism) and how they also drew upon a common pool of ideas prevalent at the time. I believe he makes a very strong case for this.For those who are not interested in the historical aspect of Taoism, I feel they will still enjoy this book very much because this translation preserves the spiritual mystery of the Tao Te Ching (another aspect most translations lack), and lets the reader interpret the meaning as he/she sees fit.Anyhow, in closing, a fanstatic translation, that stands above the rest. I strongly recommend this for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Best version out there IMO! I think it's great to read different versions to get a glimpse of, and highlight, some of the nuances in interpretations but if I had to pick one book out of the 30 I've read, I'd pick this on to best represent the essence and spirit of the ancient sacred book of teachings.

Dr. Mair does an excellent job again. Despite or because of his academic perspective, he treats the Tao Te Ching with great respect not only as a work of literature or of wisdom, but of the spirit.Not only do his academic insights open up a great deal of the spirit of the text itself, they offer new understanding of other traditions/paths and spirituality in general.The woodcuts, the fonts used and the size of the book add to its readability and preciousness. This is my fourth version of the Tao and, to date, my favorite.(I also recommend Dr. Mair's "Chang-Tzu.")

The translator's commentary added so much value to this work. Translators inevitably must make editorial decisions, and with an ancient work like this for which we have no original manuscripts, such decisions are of major importance. This man goes to the trouble of explaining many of these decisions and justifying why he made them the way he did. As a result, the reader learns much more about the Tao Te Ching than readers of other editions.

One of the best translations of Tao Te Ching, although not necessarily very different from some old good ones. Philosophic words and wisdom in poetic form from 2500 years ago can not be translated accurately, so do not expect to understand all of the text in one go. Actually reading a few different versions might give you more ideas and insight..

I have accumulated a considerable set of translations over the years Mair's is the finest. Not only is his use of newly recovered material a significant improvement, but the thoughtfulness, invested time and mental effort by which he has produced the translation (please do read his forward) is very obvious compared to most others.

For those who are not interested in the historical aspect of Taoism, I feel they will still enjoy this book very much because this translation preserves the spiritual mystery of the Tao Te Ching (another aspect most translations lack), and lets the reader interpret the meaning as he/she sees fit.Anyhow, in closing, a fantastic translation, that stands above the rest. I strongly recommend this for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.With warmest regards, I amRoger L. Dougherty

A great read, fast delivery

I bought this to replace a hard copy of the paperback. It is worth reading time and again. There is no end to the guidance the Tao Te Ching provides, especially this edition.

This is definitely my favorite translation of the Tao. Very true to the text and shows a deep understanding of the base message.