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The Daodejing of Laozi

By Laozi
4.29 goodreads logo

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( 184,333 ratings, 9,768 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Daodejing of Laozi is a seminal Daoist text dating from around the third century BCE, profoundly shaping Chinese philosophy and spirituality. This edition features Philip J Ivanhoe's clear and philosophically insightful translation and commentary, which offers fresh perspectives. The substantial introduction and extensive notes explore key issues in the text, connecting them to contemporary philosophical debates and related classical works. A unique Language Appendix presents eight different translations of the opening passage, explaining the nuances of each line and interpretation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This edition is ideal for scholars, students, and readers interested in Daoism, Eastern philosophy, and spiritual classics seeking a rigorous yet accessible exploration of the Daodejing.

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Philip J. Ivanhoe's richly annotated translation of this classic work is accompanied by his engaging interpretation and commentary, a lucid introduction, and a Language Appendix that compares eight classic translations of the opening passage of the work and invites the reader to consider the principles upon which each was rendered.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A Daoist classic that has had a profound influence on Chinese thought, the Laozi or Daodejing, evolved into its present form sometime around the third century BCE and continues to enjoy great popularity throughout East Asia and beyond.

Philip J Ivanhoe's lucid and philosophically-minded interpretation and commentary offer fresh insights into this classic work. In the substantial introduction and numerous notes, Ivanhoe draws attention to the issues at play in the text, often relating them to contemporary philosophical discussions and directing the reader to related passages within the Daodejing and to other works of the period.

The Language Appendix, unique to this edition, offers eight translations of the opening passage by well-known and influential scholars and explains, line-by-line, how each might have reached his particular interpretation.

Series: Hackett Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

John Berthrong of Boston University commends Ivanhoe for delivering an intellectually, socially, philosophically, historically, and spiritually respectful translation that is both readable and elegant. Richard John Lynn from the University of Toronto praises Ivanhoe's enthusiasm, philosophical insight, linguistic sensitivity, and philological sophistication in his approach to the Daodejing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780872207011

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 August 2003

Country: United States

Imprint: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Translated by Philip J. Ivanhoe
  • Translated by Philip J. Ivanhoe

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 178.0mm

Weight: 171g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Philip J Ivanhoe

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