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Published in 1993, this is probably the worst of all of the translations of the "Tao Te Ching" that I've read. Here's why: 1) Thomas Cleary, the translator, is not a "master" of Chinese translation by 21st century research methodologists' standards. This translation reminds me of one that leaves all of the translator's biases invisible. Rather like the "King James Version" of the Bible does. Modern scholars can rip this translation apart exposing its numerous flaws. 2) Instead of this book providing an adequate translation & modern interpretation of the "Tao Te Ching" itself, it is more of what is called "literary criticism" of two different Taoist classics. At times it is difficult to distinguish which of the 2 texts the author is critiquing. 3) Whenever I read the word "essential," what immediately comes to mind is, 'uh oh, look out, this author has already decided what to splice in and out of this text from the originals. Yikes'. Doing that leaves me with no option of reading the original documents myself. Does the author explain quite clearly WHY the selections they've made are "essential"? 4) Without using modern scholarship methods called "reflexivity," readers cannot know one thing about the previously existing positions from which either the author(s) or translator(s) began. Their means of discovery are hidden. How their own life experiences & cultural contexts have shaped their opinions & the ways they seek out facts have influenced this text is impossible to know. That's typically very old school. In short, if this work were presented at a scholarly conference of peers today, it would be taken to task for all that it omits~Read full review
I love China philosophy, and science book, ebay is a good source for books readers
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