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Tao Te Ching: With Over 150 Photographs by Jane English Paperback – November 1, 2011

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 497 ratings

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For nearly two generations, this bestselling translation of the Tao Te Ching has been the standard for those seeking access to the wisdom of Taoist thought. Now Jane English and her long-time editor, Toinette Lippe, have refreshed and revised the translation, so that it more faithfully reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was first written, while taking into account changes in our own language and eliminating any lingering infelicities. This beautiful oversized edition features over a hundred new photographs by Jane English that help express the vast spirit of the Tao. Also included is an introduction by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.
 
Lao Tsu’s philosophy is simple: Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what is only sets up resistance. Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks. It does so without discrimination. So let us present the same face to everyone and treat them all as equals, however they may behave. If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop "trying," if we stop putting in so much extra effort, if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected. Te—which may be translated as "virtue" or "strength"—lies always in Tao meaning "the way" or "natural law." In other words: Simply be.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"No one has done better in conveying Lao Tsu's simple and laconic style of writing, so as to produce an English version almost as suggestive of the many meanings intended. This is a most useful, as well as beautiful, volume—and what it has to say is exactly what the world, in its present state, needs to hear." —Alan Watts

From the Inside Flap

Available for the first time in a handy, easy-to-use size, here is the most accessible and authoritative modern English translation of the ancient Chinese classic. This new Vintage edition includes an introduction and notes by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage; Bilingual edition (November 1, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0307949303
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0307949301
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 910L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.36 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.36 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 497 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
497 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book profound, inspiring, and thought-provoking. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations and Chinese characters that accompany the text. The translation is described as wonderful, poetic, and crisp. Readers praise the book as great, worth reading, reflecting, sharing, and comforting. They love the pictures and new additions in the edition.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

22 customers mention "Enlightenedness"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book profound, inspiring, and thought-provoking. They appreciate the contemplative, mindful approach to life. The caligraphy keeps readers focused on the otherworldly, deep meaning of the text. The translation is poetry and insight combined to bring any reader to new insights.

"...This translation is elegant, concise and probing. The photography is stunning and such an appropriate companion to this timeless wisdom." Read more

"...it feels a little awkward in terms of word choice, the original ideas still shine through. Are there better translations?..." Read more

"Very nice. I love the pictures and inspirational text. For anyone who needs guidance." Read more

"...I find myself in a contemplative mood every time I open this, even before I read the text...." Read more

22 customers mention "Visual quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's visual quality. They appreciate the beautifully rendered illustrations, photographs, and Chinese characters that accompany the text. The new edition is described as beautiful and calming.

"...This translation is elegant, concise and probing. The photography is stunning and such an appropriate companion to this timeless wisdom." Read more

"...This version, with many beautiful photographs and crisp Chinese text, brings the words to life and is a helpful aide for reflecting on them and..." Read more

"Very nice. I love the pictures and inspirational text. For anyone who needs guidance." Read more

"...Beautifully rendered!" Read more

20 customers mention "Translation quality"18 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the poetic translation of Lao Tzu. The crisp Chinese text and beautiful photographs bring the words to life. Readers find the book elegant, concise, and probing.

"...This translation is elegant, concise and probing. The photography is stunning and such an appropriate companion to this timeless wisdom." Read more

"...with many beautiful photographs and crisp Chinese text, brings the words to life and is a helpful aide for reflecting on them and bringing calmness..." Read more

"Poetry! The philosophy of LaoTsu! Chinese Calligraphy! Spectacular black and with photographs!..." Read more

"...And the translation is easily understood, really clear for those of us who don't speak Chinese." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and reflect on. They say it's a significant book that led to major changes in their lives. The format is clean and uncluttered, making it a worthwhile choice for therapists. Readers describe it as a beloved classic that will touch your soul.

"...Still, this is an excellent book and a worthwhile choice given the lengthy catalogue of Tao Te Ching translations!" Read more

"The pictures are beautiful and enhance reading the verses." Read more

"...The book is lovely. Smaller than the original publication in form, but big enough to do justice to the exquisite photographs...." Read more

"The book is great, problems with delivery." Read more

14 customers mention "Photography"12 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's photography. They like the pictures and appreciate the new photos included.

"...This translation is elegant, concise and probing. The photography is stunning and such an appropriate companion to this timeless wisdom." Read more

"The pictures are beautiful and enhance reading the verses." Read more

"Very nice. I love the pictures and inspirational text. For anyone who needs guidance." Read more

"...Chinese Calligraphy! Spectacular black and with photographs! This is one of the most poetic translations of LaoTsu I have read...." Read more

9 customers mention "Edition"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the updated edition. They find it complements the previous version and consider it a timeless classic. The introduction is also appreciated.

"...This was a BIG mistake in my opinion. I love this timeless classic and I can't bring myself to read Lippe's updated version anymore...." Read more

"...I've had this book since 1970's and it is still one of the best and clearest translations. the simplicity of this book beats all the rest...." Read more

"I read the original within months of its publishing and love the new one...." Read more

"Awesome version. This is the version Alan Watts recommended. There's a verse on each page along with artwork...." Read more

One of the world’s great books
5 out of 5 stars
One of the world’s great books
I have always loved this book. I like, as Alan Watts once pointed out, that the book’s first words are “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao” and then Lao Tsu writes a book about it. I wish other religious books started with a similar disclaimer.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
    I bought this edition in 1972 while in college and it is wonderful that a 50th anniversary original quality reprint is now available.
    This translation is elegant, concise and probing. The photography is stunning and such an appropriate companion to this timeless wisdom.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021
    The Tao Te Ching, for me, has always been a meditative and reflective experience. This version, with many beautiful photographs and crisp Chinese text, brings the words to life and is a helpful aide for reflecting on them and bringing calmness. As for the translation itself, it works well! While there are moments when it feels a little awkward in terms of word choice, the original ideas still shine through.

    Are there better translations? I think so and would still recommend Red Pine as my favorite based on translation choices and commentaries. Still, this is an excellent book and a worthwhile choice given the lengthy catalogue of Tao Te Ching translations!
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
    The pictures are beautiful and enhance reading the verses.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024
    Very nice. I love the pictures and inspirational text. For anyone who needs guidance.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2013
    Poetry! The philosophy of LaoTsu! Chinese Calligraphy! Spectacular black and with photographs!

    This is one of the most poetic translations of LaoTsu I have read. The book is lovely. Smaller than the original publication in form, but big enough to do justice to the exquisite photographs. I find myself in a contemplative mood every time I open this, even before I read the text. While I am not an expert on Chinese philosophy or translations from the classical Chinese, I would seriously recommend this for readability and spirit. The Tao Te Ching is the second most commonly translated book in the world (after the Bible). The emphasis here, in this translation, is on a contemplative, mindful approach to living. This pithy guide to life provides a nice middle ground between the authoritarian fatalism of Confucius and the materialistic individualism of the West. You can read it in an hour and study it for a lifetime.

    Beautifully rendered!
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Hoping for a little of that peace now.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
    Book arrived quickly and in good shape
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024
    I love this version of the Tao de Ching translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English but don't think the photos are necessary and the book is too big. I ordered this by accident thinking it was the smaller paperback size. I gave it to a friend. Do get and read the smaller version. It may be life-changing.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • KJP
    5.0 out of 5 stars A reminder that all is alive and conscious
    Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2022
    I had been reminded of the Tao, having frequently referred to it as a young woman. This is a glorious edition with exquisite photographs by Jane English. It has inspired me to take photos myself and to study Chinese calligraphy. Very, very beautiful.
  • Orphée
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une très belle traduction en anglais du Tao Te Ching
    Reviewed in France on November 26, 2024
    Ce livre est magnifique : cette traduction en anglais du Tao Te Ching est une de celle qui me plaît le plus. Les photos sont aussi très belles. Je ne regrette pas de m'être offert ce beau livre
  • Jamie Crawford
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book. Poetic translation. Timeless wisdom.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2022
    I'm not a Chinese speaker/reader so this is not a technical evaluation, but I love the lyricism and simplicity of this version, perfectly complemented by Jane English's distinctive photographic vision. One of my very favourite books, and a source of age-old wisdom that I find myself turning to again and again, especially during tough moments.
  • John A O'Brien
    5.0 out of 5 stars Has Photographs
    Reviewed in Australia on May 3, 2024
    Has Photographs. Other versions of this book do not.

    An absolute gem of a book. Pay the extra for this version...
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book great tanslation
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2023
    Lovely photos with really accessible translation. A book to treasure and use every day as part of meditative or Taoist practice.