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Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey [Hardcover]

Stephen Mitchell (Translator)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
RRP: £12.99
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Book Description

Publication Date: 1 April 1999
Do you want to improve the world?

I don't think it can be done.

The world is sacred.

It can't be improved.

If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it.

If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it.



Stephen Mitchell's translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way) has sold over half a million copies worldwide. In this edition, Mitchell's text is set against ancient Chinese paintings selected by Asian art expert, Dr Stephen Little.

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Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey + Tao Te Ching + 365 Tao: Daily Meditations
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Frances Lincoln; New Ed edition (1 April 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0711212783
  • ISBN-13: 978-0711212787
  • Product Dimensions: 18 x 22 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 32,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Authors

Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
James Legge
Zi Lao
Stephen Mitchell

Product Description

About the Author

Stephen Mitchell was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943. He studied at Amherst, the University of Paris and Yale. His previous books include Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke and The Book of Job. He lives with his wife in Berkeley, California.

Inside This Book (Learn More)
First Sentence
The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite translation fo the Tao Te Ching 21 May 2008
By G. Barlow
Format:Hardcover
If you're looking for a literal translation of the TTC then this isn't it - however, it's way more readable than other versions. I think Stephen Mitchell explains himself very well in his Forward:

"With great poetry, the freest translation is sometimes the most faithful. 'We must try its effect as an English Poem,' Dr Johnson said; 'that is the way to judge of the merit of a translation'. I have often been fairly literal - or as literal as one can be with such a subtle, kaleidoscopic book as the Tao Te Ching. But I have also paraphrased, expanded, contracted, interpreted, worked with the text, played with it, until it became embodied in a language that felt genuine to me. If I haven't always translated Lao Tzu's words, my intention has always been to translate his mind."

And I think he does a damn good job. You can compare his translation of verse 15 with the James Legge version below, for example. I know which translation I prefer.

Legge:

"The skilful masters (of the Tao) in old times, with a subtle
and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep
(also) so as to elude men's knowledge. As they were thus beyond men's
knowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they
appeared to be.

Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in
winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave
like a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting
away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into
anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.

Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it
will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest?... Read more ›
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning publication 22 Nov 2009
By inch worm
Format:Paperback
It is a daring thing to do these days to make yet another translation of the Tao Te Ching because there have been so many to date. It would seem to be a necessary requisite to produce something that singles an edition out from the crowd. Here is a stunning publication that has been sympathetically translated ( I am not a Chinese scholar so can make no comment as to accuracy).I have at least six different editions of the Tao Te Ching on my shelves all of which I like but Frances Lincoln have produced an edition that is so beautiful that it is a work of art.It is an unpretentious size with an exquisite yet understated cover. Very high quality paper has been used throughout and on every other page there are full page reproductions of Chinese paintings of the Sung, Yuan, Ming and Ch'ing dynasties. These paintings are delightful with every detail visible and are also exquisite. The whole book seems to me to reflect perfect harmony and is entirely at one with the text. Congratulations to both Stephen Mitchell for his illuminating translation and to Frances Lincoln for this inspiring and optimum quality publication.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars The ancient Chinese mystical text 1 Sep 2012
By Dr. H. A. Jones TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Mitchell, Frances Lincoln, London, 1999.

This is one of a number of translations now available of the Chinese mystical text written or assembled by the school of Lao Tzu around the 5th or 6th century BCE. I have read and reviewed a number of translations of this text. They all have something worthwhile to say. Which version resonates with a reader depends primarily on the accuracy and spiritual insight of the translator and secondly, but importantly, on the publisher's flair for producing a book that is inspiring to read and handle with beautiful illustrations. This version is gloriously illustrated on every double-page spread with sepia-tone Chinese paintings chosen by Asian art expert Dr Stephen Little, and the text is a version that I find inspiring. This is one of the versions I would recommend for anyone who wishes to undertake the spiritual journey that lies at the root of Taoism - but there are many others.

As I have said in my other reviews of this text, which version appeals to you as reader will differ from one to another. The message of the main eastern mystical philosophies is essentially the same: to accept what life has to offer; to look always for the best in any person and life situation, even those that present difficulties, challenges and unhappiness in the short term; to take time out from our pressured life-styles for quiet reflection and meditation; to be always aware that there is an overriding spirituality that interacts with us in every moment of our being, a spirituality that we enhance or undermine by our thoughts and actions. This is the overall message of the Tao.... Read more ›
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most wonderful books I have ever read! 10 Nov 2009
By K. Campbell
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has become a treasure to me - I read a page from it everyday, and look at the beautiful illustrations. The translation is modern, but thoroughly appropriate, and the wording is wonderful. The artwork harmonises with the words in a lovely way. I have bought 2 copies of this book for my best friends, as well as one for myself!
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21 of 27 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Truly awful, please give this one a wide berth 4 Dec 2001
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Of all the translations of the Tao Te Ching I have ever come across, this is the worst. One of it's worst flaws (already by no means the only flaw, as others already seem to have noted) is the way Mitchell replaces numerous sections of the original with his own improvisations, including the entirity of Chapter 50, and makes no indication in the main text that he is improvising, leaving this for the reader to discover until they investigate the footnotes.

A great shame, but there are fortunately many much better translations to be found.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, worth owning
There are several books by the amazing Stephen Mitchell on the "Tao Te Ching." The two that I know--this one and his Harper Perennial "Tao Te Ching" (2006)--use his free-flowing... Read more
Published 3 days ago by Dennis Littrell
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Version of a Classic Book
This was a gift, and the illustrated version is a great inspirational present. For those looking to find their way, it's a great guide.
Published 29 days ago by Dan Culverhouse
5.0 out of 5 stars tao te ching
was dispatched quickly and efficiently and good value for money. It was found to be very informative and a good insite.
Published 3 months ago by netnet
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book in the world!
I bought this copy for my brother, I came across it many years ago and have lived by it ever since.
Published 5 months ago by H. Strong
5.0 out of 5 stars an inspiration
This book contains a brilliant interpretation of the Tao and has the beautiful illustrations to soak up too - a triumph!
Published on 24 Oct 2010 by Jacquie
5.0 out of 5 stars Tao Te Ching - amazing
I am in love with this book. For anyone who is open minded and in need of some unbiased enlightenment this is the book for you. Read more
Published on 22 Aug 2009 by Mrs. CG Thacker
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading!
This is a beautifully profound and playful translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell..
Essential reading!
Published on 12 Jun 2009 by Grasshopper
5.0 out of 5 stars The way of Tao in originality
Well... I would first give credit to how this book is beautifully presented with finest art of Oriental paintings, and the translation has captured the deep minimalist meaning in... Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2009 by lyric violet
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
Ok, I'm sure that Mitchel has taken lots of liberties, but the result is beautiful and readable.

I tried the John Wu translation, which I'm sure is much more accurate,... Read more
Published on 21 May 2007 by N. Bar
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