Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tao Te Ching
Book Review: A personal work and NOT a definitive translation
Summary: 4 Stars
On the cover of this "new English version" of the Tao Te Ching, Huston Smith is quoted describing this as a definitive translation. But it is not, and the author is open about that in his introduction: "...I have...paraphrased, expanded, contracted, interpreted, worked with the text, played with it, until it became embodied in a language that felt genuine to me." Some of the ire this book has aroused may have to do with packaging. It is not Lao-Tzu's Tae Te Ching, and students seeking to become more familiar with that text had best consult other, more literal translations. Comparison and contrast with Mitchell's work is highly recommended, however, because Mitchell's version is informed by a deep understanding, nurtured by years of spiritual practice and Zen training, and the author's own considerable skill as a poet.
Book Review: A poetic interpretation of a timeless classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Mitchell's work is not for purists of textual criticism or hermeneutics. Literal translations of ancient documents tend to be dry and awkward. Mitchell's loose paraphrase and notes are refreshing and agreeable. The spirit of this work is both heartfelt and delightful. It is a joy to read.Book Review: A stylistic success
Summary: 4 Stars
This book deserves attention as far as the fundamental ideas of Taoism is concerned. The versified translation is more a stylistic success than a faithful rendering of the text. I find the author has been too audacious in extrapolating the meaning of some word combinations. I'd like to recommend it to students of Chinese literature or the general reader, because it does a better job in transfering the poetic spirit of the pre-Chin philosophers than interpreting their philosophical texts.
Book Review: A version that speaks to the Westerner...
Summary: 5 Stars
It's pretty irrelevant to me whether this is a "proper translation" of the Tao. The key is that it spoke to me as a modern Westerner. Perhaps in time I may read other versions. But Mitchell has made a palatable version that can move and touch many of us with little or no exposure to Eastern culture or thought. This is a moving book of wisdom that anyone can benefit from. Give it a try!Book Review: A very Good Translation ....
Summary: 5 Stars
TTC is one of my favorites. Strongly recommend this translation of TTC to those who want to understand Taoism. I found this book the best translation after going through many different versions. This is by far the best.