Publisher 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 B.C.E. and continues to enjoy great popularity throughout East Asia and beyond. Philip J. Ivanhoes 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.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [115]-118) and index
Inhalt: Preface, p. IX. Notes on Paintings and Calligraphy, p. XI. Introduction, p. XV. Book One (Chapters 1-37), p. 1. Book Two (Chapters 38-81), p. 41. Notes to Translation, p. 85. Language Appendix, p. 101. Works Cited, p. 115. Selected Bibliography, p. 117. Index, p. 119.
