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Chuang Tzu

Basic Writings
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( 2,915 ratings, 133 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
Chuang Tzu presents the foundational Taoist philosophy through parables, allegories, and paradoxes. Central to the text is the idea that true happiness and freedom come from understanding the Tao, or the Way of Nature, and living in harmony with it. This edition includes the key "inner chapters," which form the core teachings, along with selected outer and miscellaneous chapters, accompanied by an introduction that contextualises Chuang Tzu within Chinese history and philosophical tradition.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5299

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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 book is ideal for readers interested in Chinese philosophy, religion, and culture, as well as those seeking insightful reflections on life, nature, and freedom.

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Chuang Tzu (369?-286? BC) was a leading Taoist philosopher. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth in this book the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. This collection includes the seven "inner chapters," three of the "outer chapters," and one of the "miscellaneous chapters."

Chuang Tzu (369?-286? BC) was a leading Taoist philosopher. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth in this book the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. This collection includes the seven "inner chapters," three of the "outer chapters," and one of the "miscellaneous chapters."

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

The basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savoured by Chinese readers for over two thousand years. Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers.

Chuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death.

Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings includes the seven "inner chapters," which form the heart of the book, three of the "outer chapters," and one of the "miscellaneous chapters." Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought.

Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture.

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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?

Burton Watson’s translation is celebrated for its clarity and elegance, capturing the wit and imagination of the original. His mastery brings to life the vivid imagery and playful narratives of this timeless classic.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780231105958

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 May 1996

Country: United States

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Burton Watson
  • Translated by Burton Watson

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 196.0mm

Height: 130.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. His translations include The Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia.

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