Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching (Shambhala Lion Editions)
by Ursula K. Le Guin
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 217)
Read in December, 2005
recommends it for:
everyone
First, a disclaimer. I do not read the Tao To Ching as a Taoist, a student of Chinese philosophy, or a secularist. I don't read it within its own proper social context. I read it as a Wiccan, and I look to it to inform my practice of my own, separate religion. But that being said, I think the Tao has principles which are applicable to everyone, and which provide a valuable counterweight to the baffling complexity of modern society.
As a Wiccan, I've found that the tao provides a necessa...more
As a Wiccan, I've found that the tao provides a necessa...more
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I've literally read 10 different translations of the Tao Te Ching. If I was going to recommend just one to a friend, this would be it.
There are more careful and scholarly translations (such as Robert G. Henricks'), but Le Guin's translations is highly readable and poetic. She takes poetic liberties with the language (favoring the pithy), but - unlike most of the translations that take liberties - she stays close to the spirit of the original. It rarely feels like she is projecting her o...more
There are more careful and scholarly translations (such as Robert G. Henricks'), but Le Guin's translations is highly readable and poetic. She takes poetic liberties with the language (favoring the pithy), but - unlike most of the translations that take liberties - she stays close to the spirit of the original. It rarely feels like she is projecting her o...more
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Read in December, 2005
I had hoped for better. LeGuin, as an author I respect, has some interesting takes on her translation. However, the Tao Te Ching is one of the most ancient treatises of philosophy and in my years on this planet, I have come to view it as an indispensable tool in my life. LeGuin, while entitled to her own opinions, does not reserve the right to omit parts she doesn't like.
Despite some of her removals, the book itself is not bad, but does not hold as well against the Stephen Addis translation ...more
Despite some of her removals, the book itself is not bad, but does not hold as well against the Stephen Addis translation ...more
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This is the best translation of the Tao Te Ching by far. It's a little odd at a glance to see that it's been written by renowned science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin, but she approaches it as thoughtfully and throughly as anything else she's ever written. In addition, after perusing a number of other translations, I concluded that a straight scholarly approach does not really do the ideas behind this classic taoist book justice. And if it's been filtered through the experience and years of L...more
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The description of this book is wrong:
"Like Stephen Mitchell, acclaimed author and poet Ursula K. Le Guin has attempted a nonliteral, poetic rendition of the Tao Te Ching"
It's nothing like Mitchell's pretty but totally opaque translation. LeGuin gives you readable ideas, arguments in poetry, a philosophy to ponder. Of all the translations I have encountered, this is the only one that gives you a point of entry into the rich treasury of ideas in the Tao Te Ching.
"Like Stephen Mitchell, acclaimed author and poet Ursula K. Le Guin has attempted a nonliteral, poetic rendition of the Tao Te Ching"
It's nothing like Mitchell's pretty but totally opaque translation. LeGuin gives you readable ideas, arguments in poetry, a philosophy to ponder. Of all the translations I have encountered, this is the only one that gives you a point of entry into the rich treasury of ideas in the Tao Te Ching.
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Read in May, 2008
LeGuin's rendition was the perfect way to return to the text. The Tao Te Ching is an old friend and has resonated with me since I first read it in high school. LeGuin does not translate, she recreates. While I was not in love with all of her choices, her extensive notes and explanations were very helpful in planning my own further study.
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Read in May, 2008
It's another Tao Te Ching. More playful than the Penguin translation as befits an Ursula Le Guin outfit, interesting glosses, extremely interesting notes in back about how she adapted the book. Bonus points for underscoring the closeness between anarchists and Taoists.
I am so gay for this shit.
I am so gay for this shit.
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The way that you can go is not the real way...
My favorite translation of the Tao Te Ching. LeGuin makes a conscious effort to preserve the poetics of the initial Chinese primarily. This is an impossible task, but the result is beautiful nonetheless.
My favorite translation of the Tao Te Ching. LeGuin makes a conscious effort to preserve the poetics of the initial Chinese primarily. This is an impossible task, but the result is beautiful nonetheless.
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Read in January, 2003
My 2nd choice to Suzuki's interpretation. le Guin provides a feminine perspective missing from the rest of the pack. while i might disagree with some of the interpretation, the touch of the fairer sex is a welcome change.
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This is an overtly political translation. More accurately, it's simply her telling, since she uses translated texts herself. Her voice is amazing, however, and like many things she writes it is more than worth reading.
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Read in February, 2003
My favorite translation of the tao.
She has a great sense of simple ways to describe what is going on in these passages. Her father did one translation when she was young, so, it is in her family.
She has a great sense of simple ways to describe what is going on in these passages. Her father did one translation when she was young, so, it is in her family.
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Can you review religious text? Eitherway, this writing is essential. This is a book I wish that I could quote from at any given moment. It changed the way I see the world.
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I did not study Taoism extensively enough to say how well regarded this particular translation would be to a follower... But, I found it quite lovely and thoughtful.
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Le Guin's memories of her father's copy of The Way-- with literal & poetic translations of the text-- led to her lifelong interest in this work.
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Read in January, 2000
The Tao was my first introduction to Eastern religion/thought and just as everyone - it's a quick/deep-yet-light read and good for all.
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ursala k leguin! need i say more? it's wonderful to have a voice in this text that moves away from the previous gendered translations.
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Read in January, 2008
My current favorite book. All the spiritual book with peace, fun, hardness, wisdom and suffering that is life. Ultimately optimistic.
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This translation is engaging and I enjoyed Le Guin's perspective, but it lacked a little je ne sais quoi - transcendence, perhaps.
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Ursula K. LeGuin has an interesting translation. To me it seemed highly personal for her. I love this book.
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each page has a translation on one side and her thoughts/interpretation on the other, i really liked that
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