The Analects

By Confucius, Simon Leys (translator), Michael Nylan (editor)

Book cover of The Analects

Book description

The Norton Critical Edition aims to situate the historical figure of Kongzi, the legendary figure of Confucius, and the Analects (or Lunyu), the single most influential book ascribed to the Master's circle of disciples, within their evolving ethical, cultural, and political contexts. Simon Leys's acclaimed translation and notes are accompanied…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Analects as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Donnally Miller

Author

I was unaware of the persuasiveness and simplicity of Confucius’ teachings. Finally reading this book brought home why Confucianism has become the way of life of a large portion of the globe.

The translation was in contemporary English which made it an easy read. Reading the edition I did, I was able to place Confucius in his historical and geographical situation. The Analects is both subtle and elegant. I had thought of Confucianism as a religion, but it is very different from religions in the Western sense. Confucius’ Analects offers a guide for ethical, cultural, and political life, one based…

From Donnally's 3 favorite reads in 2023.