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Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) Paperback – September 5, 2006

by Lao Tzu (Author), Stephen Mitchell (Translator)
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,335
See all formats and editions
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The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper Perennial Modern Classics
  4. Publication date
    September 5, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.32 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780061142666
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0061142666
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." — The New Republic

"I read the Stephen Mitchell translation of the Tao Te Ching in one sitting, three times. It is stunning, so lovely. It is a treasure." — Louise Erdrich

"Mitchell's great talent is to communicate with the profound simplicity utterly appropriate for this task. The obscure has been made transparent and available." — Common Boundary

“I have read many translations of this ancient text but Mitchell’s is by far the best.” — James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces

From the Back Cover

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao—the basic principle of the universe.

Stephen Mitchell's bestselling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0061142662
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint edition (September 5, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780061142666
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061142666
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.32 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 1,335

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Lao-Tzu

Lao-Tzu
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,335 global ratings
I love this and his wife's Work
5 Stars
I love this and his wife's Work
Very well written. Poetic; he hit the mark. I love this and his wife's Work. This is perhaps my favorite translation yet. Thank you.
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Top reviews from the United States

R Pen
5.0 out of 5 stars Most Beautiful Interpretation Of The Tao Te Ching
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Most beautiful, inspiring and transformative interpretation of the Tao that I have ever read. Wow! I read a different translation of it years ago but would never circle back. This version to me is like when I found Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations from penguin classics. One of the few books I will circle back to read over and over again. With old and ancient books the translation and interpretation matter and you can feel when someone does it in a way that resonates through the universe and inside of you.
15 people found this helpful
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Reginald Doddy
5.0 out of 5 stars Tao Te Ching
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent translation. Stephen Mitchell explains the essence of the Eastern
mysticism to someone with a Western mindset. One version I read was a very literal version of the Chinese. Some of the things Lao Tsu wanted to say were conveyed but some were lost in the exactness of the translation. Another version focused on the author's interpretation of what Lao Tsu wanted to say. Stephen Mitchell came up with a 21st century version of what Lao Tsu wanted to say.
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J
5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly profound and enjoyable read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
I had no idea what to expect of this book when It arrived. I turned it over in my hands and it was clearly very short in length, so I decided to just read a few pages while I finished my morning coffee.

One and a half hours later I had finished the book entirely, along with my coffee, and I immediately knew upon completion that I would read this book many, many more times in my life.

It was a highly profound, dare I say life changing read that dramatically impacted my perspective towards my own happiness and how I interact with others. Written as a collection of very short, almost poem-like chapters, often each occupying less than a single page, this book is a masterfully crafted guide to find real happiness and fulfillment in your life. It is a tome that empowers you, humbles you, and leads you around the pitfalls that so many humans fall into throughout their lives.

It is not a modern self help book with life-hacks, habit forming tips, or other such articulations, but rather a fundamental, deep, and moving look at what makes up a fulfilling life.

If you are someone who has discovered mindfulness, explores meditation, or ponders philosophy, then this book is, without question, a must-read.

And if you are more of a go-getter. A driven entrepreneurial type who is looking more or straightforward advice on building your business, achieving goals and finding ‘success’, then I encourage you more-so than anyone else to pick this book up.

It has helped me make difficult business decisions, cut through the unimportant details and roadblocks, optimize my time, and improve my relations with my clients and really everyone else in my life for that matter. It is a book for the true winners, who understand that karma is practical, and that compassion is the path to real success.

It is a book that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I feel indebted to the author and translator for bringing its wisdom into the world.
245 people found this helpful
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Product Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Book good
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Translation good
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Edward Aceto
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Philosophy for Natural Living
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
My preferred translation of the writings of Lao Tzu. A great philosophy for living in harmony with the natural way. Highly recommended reading for anyone on a spiritual journey.
5 people found this helpful
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Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars An accessible introduction to the Tao
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
What I love about this version is what many people do not love - it is not a word-for-word verbatim translation. I feel it is clearly rooted in and manages to retain a spiritual/philosophical truth while staying accessible to readers used to reading English prose and/or contemporary poetry. The translator/author makes a point to call out his translation approach in an author's note and it's worth keeping in mind as you read. It is the first translation I ever read and I still feel more connected to it than any translation I've read since. If you are new to the Tao or if you are looking for a version that is easy to pick up occasionally and revisit, this is a really excellent option. It's also a great option if you want to incorporate reading some text into a yoga or movement meditation practice - the translation has a physicality to it that I have not felt from other versions. I've recommended it to many friends.
14 people found this helpful
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Bob Farrell
4.0 out of 5 stars It is what it is
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2014
Verified Purchase
The book's jacket tells you that it isn't a straight up translation, so don't look for one here. It is an interpretation, translating ancient Chinese concepts into modern English allegories. In this sense, it is an awesome way of learning the Daodejing. It brings Lao-tzu's intentions to the modern thinker. So it is a fantastic way of seeing the Daodejing. But if you want to hear what Lao-tzu actually said, look to another version. I will point out that many Daoist tell you to read many translations to get the full power of The Way. But which first? This one is a contender.
6 people found this helpful
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Version so far.
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023
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I've read about 10 different translations of the Tao and this one is a great interpretation for westerners.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Denise Cronan
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Canada on December 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
Quick read very inspiring will re read this over and over
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fs
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno pero incomodo de leerlo
Reviewed in Mexico on June 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
El libro es excelente, pero la organizacion de los capitulos y la explicacion hace que sea incomodo leerlo. Lo ideal seria que cada capitulo tenga su explicacion inmediatamente despues.
One person found this helpful
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customer trillion
5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best books I have ever engaged with
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is one of the best books I have ever engaged with. I cannot recommend it more highly. A beautiful gift for anyone with any spiritual / philosophical curiosity and passion. I read this book over and over and over again. It is more than a book it is a tool, a window, a companion.The version of the Tao Te Ching here is poetic and profound. The introduction alone is worth buying the book for.
2 people found this helpful
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XO5
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent translation
Reviewed in Australia on July 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
poetic translation of one of the most magical books of all time -- this is re-readable and only takes one sitting to read -- you will learn more of life the more times you read it
One person found this helpful
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Marcello
5.0 out of 5 stars Geht doch
Reviewed in Germany on April 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
Mittlerweile gibt es einige Übersetzungen des taoistischen Klassikers. Jedoch gibt es nur wenige, die wirklich das rüberbringen können, was der Klassiker auch wirklich vermitteln will. Die Tiefe und Weisheit des Werkes werden in der Übersetzung von Mitchell konserviert. Der Übersetzer schafft es in der Tat, die Aphorismen so in das Englische zu kleiden, dass ihre Gewand bunt und strahlend bleibt und das Herz ansprechen. Für jeden der gut Englisch kann nur zu empfehlen!
6 people found this helpful
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