1
of
1
The Classic of the Way and Virtue
A New Translation of the Tao-te Ching of Laozi as Interpreted by Wang Bi
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 185,236 ratings, 9,880 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
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5299
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Classic of the Way and Virtue
$5299
Unit price
/
Unavailable
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?
Ideal for students of philosophy, Taoism, Chinese intellectual history, and readers interested in Eastern spiritual traditions seeking a scholarly yet accessible edition.
Latest News
A Seven Sharp Visit and a Huge Thank You!
It's been a busy last week at Rawiri Place before our big move, with a...
What I Read (and Played) in Bali
I always read more when I travel. Thereโs the flight over, the hotel breakfast where...
A Puzzle for Every Season: Why I Love Seasonal Puzzles
From spooky Halloween puzzles to floral spring scenes and Christmas favourites we bring out every...
The Book Briefing - September 16th
This week there are so many exciting new book announcements out and about with covers,...
Every crime/thriller Novel Lizzy has read this year (so far!)
Lizzy is sharing her crime and thriller reads for 2026 so far and giving you...
See moreEnglish-language readers can now experience the most influential book of Taoist tradition the way Chinese readers have for centuries.
At last, the most influential book of Taoist tradition is available in an edition that allows English-language readers to experience it the way Chinese readers have for centuries. Richard John Lynn's translation includes the essential commentary of the third-century scholar Wang Bi, whose interpretations of this classic helped to define it as a philosophy of life and one of the most significant works in the East Asian tradition. The text consists of eighty-one short, aphoristic sections presenting a complete view of how the sage rules in accordance with the spontaneous ways of the natural world.
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
English-language readers can now experience the most influential book of Taoist tradition the way Chinese readers have for centuries. Richard John Lynn's translation includes the essential commentary of the third-century scholar Wang Bi, whose interpretations of this classic helped to define it as a philosophy of life and one of the most significant works in the East Asian tradition.
The text consists of eighty-one short, aphoristic sections presenting a complete view of how the sage rules in accordance with the spontaneous ways of the natural world.
Series: Translations from the Asian Classics
View all-
The Original Meaning of the Yijing
The Yijing (I Ching), or Scripture of Change, is traditionally considered the first and most profound of the Chinese classics. Originally a divination manual based on trigrams and hexagrams, by the beginning of the first millennium it had acquired written explanations and a series of appendices attributed to Confucius, which transformed it into a work of wisdom literature as well...Paperback$5299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Lust, Commerce, and Corruption
By 1816, Japan had recovered from the famines of the 1780s and moved beyond the political reforms of the 1790s. Despite persistent economic and social stresses, the country seemed headed for a new period of growth. The idea that the shogunate would not last forever was far from anyone's mind. Yet, in that year, an anonymous samurai produced a scathing...Paperback$7099Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Quelling the Demons' Revolt
In this Ming-era novel, historical narrative, raucous humour, and the supernatural are interwoven to tell the tale of an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Song dynasty. A poor young girl meets an old woman who gives her a magic book that allows her to create rice and money. Her father, terrified that his daughter's demonic nature might be discovered, marries...Paperback$5499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Kojiki
Japan's oldest surviving narrative, the eighth-century Kojiki, chronicles the mythical origins of its islands and their ruling dynasty through a diverse array of genealogies, tales, and songs that have helped to shape the modern nation's views of its ancient past. Gustav Heldt's engaging new translation of this revered classic aims to make the Kojiki accessible to contemporary readers while staying...Paperback$5699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Fragrant Companions
Two young gentry women meet by chance at a nunnery in Yangzhou, where they fall in love at first sight. After they exchange poetry and recognise each other's literary talents, their emotional bond deepens. They conduct a mock wedding ceremony at the nunnery and hatch a plan to spend the rest of their lives together. Their schemes are stymied by...Paperback$5699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Book of Swindles
This is an age of deception. Con men ply the roadways. Bogus alchemists pretend to turn one piece of silver into three. Devious nuns entice young women into adultery. Sorcerers use charmed talismans for mind control and murder. A pair of dubious monks extorts money from a powerful official and then spends it on whoring. A rich student tries to...Paperback$9200Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Lotus Sutra
Since its appearance in China in the third century, The Lotus Sutra has been regarded as one of the most illustrious scriptures in the Mahayana Buddhist canon. The object of intense veneration among generations of Buddhists in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world, it has had a profound impact on the great works of Japanese and Chinese...Paperback$5099Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Pillow Book of Sei Shลnagon
The Pillow Book of Sei Shลnagon is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Lady Shลnagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, The Tale of Genji, fictionalized...Paperback$3799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Vimalakirti Sutra
One of the most popular Asian classics for roughly two thousand years, the Vimalakirti Sutra stands out among the sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism for its conciseness, its vivid and humorous episodes, its dramatic narratives, and its eloquent exposition of the key doctrine of emptiness or nondualism. Unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a Buddha but a wealthy...Paperback$5699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Zhuangzi
The Zhuangzi (Sayings of Master Zhuang) is one of the foundational texts of the Chinese philosophical tradition and the cornerstone of Daoist thought. The earliest and most influential commentary on The Zhuangzi is that of Guo Xiang (265โ312), who also edited the text into the thirty-three-chapter version known ever since. Guo's commentary enriches readings of The Zhuangzi, offering keen insights...Paperback$6699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Kลซkai
Kลซkai, more commonly known by the honorific Kobo Daishi, was one of the great characters in the development of Japanese culture. He was active in literature, engineering, calligraphy, and architecture and is represented in this work in terms of his major effortโthe introduction of esoteric Buddhism from China, which resulted in the formation of the Shingou sect still active in...Paperback$13900Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Classic of the Way and Virtue
English-language readers can now experience the most influential book of Taoist tradition the way Chinese readers have for centuries. Richard John Lynn's translation includes the essential commentary of the third-century scholar Wang Bi, whose interpretations of this classic helped to define it as a philosophy of life and one of the most significant works in the East Asian tradition. The...Paperback$5299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks
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?
Critics praise Richard John Lynn's translation for its philosophical depth and precision. The Journal of the Oriental Society of Australia highlights its contribution to understanding Chinese commentarial methodology. Alan K. L. Chan of the Journal of Chinese Religions regards it as an excellent and impactful scholarly work.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780231105811
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 24 March 2004
Country: United States
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Contributors:
- Translated by Richard John Lynn
Audience: Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Weight: 250g
Pages: 256
About the Author
Richard John Lynn is professor of Chinese thought and literature at the University of Toronto. He is the author or translator of five books, including The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi. (Columbia)
More from Religion & Spirituality
View all-
2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseCommunion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy โ an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons ofย life JD Vance has experienced โ as a child, a young man,...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The King Is Coming
Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faithโthe second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include:ย โข 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open)ย โข Spiral binding allows the pages to...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is todayโs most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Printยฎ typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute Godโs Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...Paperback$1000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseThe Cauldron
How did an elderly cleric overthrow the Shah of Iran and change the world?Why did Bin Laden attack the USA - and why did the USA destroy Saddam?How did Britain and France carve up the Middle East - and why did the Kurds never get their own state? THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE MAKING OF TODAY'S MIDDLE EAST: A SPELLBINDING...Hardback$4999Elsewhere:$6000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Practice of Not Thinking
Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelsonโs custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute Godโs Word through...Paperback$900Elsewhere:$1000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Tao Te Ching
Whether or not Lao-Tzu was a historical figure is uncertain, but the wisdom gathered under his name in the 4th century BC is central to the understanding and practice of Taoism. One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. Tao...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Mere Christianity
Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is a profound literary work that offers a compelling and articulate exploration of the Christian faith. This timeless classic emerged from a series of radio talks given by Lewis during the dark days of World War II, where he aimed to demystify the essence of Christianity and present a logical case for its core...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback
The New International Version of the Bible is today's most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God's Word through their outreach events. Features include: Complete text of the New International Version NIV sectional headings Translator footnotes Plan of salvation Table of weights and measuresPaperback$1000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
