Tao Te Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Book of the Tao

the print quality is nice. wisdom of the tao is well translated and elucidated.

Translation is mixed up with various additional text and general commentary by author John Minford.Confusing. Not what I wanted .What another reviewer referred to the “cluttered”experience.So I could not judge which was the Tao Te Ching and which was just general additions and texts added randomly from other sources as well, including additional commentary from the author.Completely unclear as to who was writing what.I wanted a simple translation; not the additional and confusing general material and commentary randomly mixed up with it.

I completely agree with the other 5 star reviews here. John’s recommendation (or intention) for this to be a meditative read is absolutely as I experienced it. It seems to me that the simplicity in the translation allows for the secrets of the Tao to be revealed experientially while you read rather than intellectually. To have an experience of the Tao in a translation is a gift. I’ve read a chapter a day before my morning meditation and will re-read the chapters that resonated most when I finish. Nourishment for the busy lifestyle of a typical career driven Westerner.

Simple straightforward beautiful poetry. Removing some of the unnecessary and clunky language of other translations. Such as the master this and the sage that. And the ever convoluted the Great integrity. This volume returns to a simple poetic translation. It also offers that the Taoist does this or that they don't do that and they are happy. Masculine and feminine are still present as yin and yang obviously. But because of the stripped down language and simplicity of style this becomes accessible to everyone (regardless of age gender and such) from 2,500 years ago to present. There is also an introduction that gives a brief history explanation. As well as with each vearse there are several commentaries for further reflection and meditation. I previously recommended and still do the translation by John C. H. Wu. For simplicity. But this is just miles above even that.

As I get further into understanding the philosophy of Taoism I come across books that help to advance my understanding to a deeper level. John Minford's book is one of them. The author suggests that this book should be read meditatively - and I've found that to be true. I think the translation is excellent and the commentaries and poetry that Mr. Minford includes go a long way in providing that meditative atmosphere that helps to uncover insights into the true nature of our existence.

Ive purchased 4 translations of the tao te ching, things that are diffetent are NOT the same. Some are very heavily feminist, others are gender neutral, FEW seem to be masculine. In all this is a very fascinating read, what can be confusing, is, that there is commentary that breaks up the flow of the text, which does differ in font size as well, this break in flow of reading CAN make one lose the moment as it were, nonetheless, fascinating and entertaining.