Tao Te Ching: The Classic Book of Integrity and the Way Paperback – September 1, 1990

This is my favorite version of the Tao Te Ching. I first read this exact version (translation) back in the early 90's and I was very thankful to find out it is still in publication today. I bought two copies recently, one for each of my nephews, and when they arrived they were just as high quality as the copy I bought back in 1993 (which I still have and, despite reading it many times, is still in good shape). Most importantly, the lessons and observations by the Old Sage are as relevant and needed as ever. I think everyone could benefit from reading this surprisingly easy to read book, and contemplating it.

Victor Mair is a well-known scholar of Classical Chinese, and I feel that of the many translations of the Tao Te Ching, his is the best by far! Thanks in part due to the discovery of the Ma Wang Tui scrolls, this book provides a refreshing change to the cookie-cutter translations I have seen in the past, and in the back of the book goes into great deal on why he translated thing the way he did.As a amateur in Classical Chinese myself, I feel that Mr. Mair's translation is definitely the most accurate in relation to the general mood of the time in China, when many other such classics were being written (Confucius's Analects for example). Many of these classics drew upon the same pool of ideas, and this particular translation shows the mood of that time better than any other I have seen. Most translations tend to interpret words and phrases in a modern light, but Mair's is true to philosophy of the time.I also like the detailed analysis that Mair does in comparing the Tao with other religions in Asia (in particular Judaism and Hinduism) and how they also drew upon a common pool of ideas prevalent at the time. I believe he makes a very strong case for this.For those who are not interested in the historical aspect of Taoism, I feel they will still enjoy this book very much because this translation preserves the spiritual mystery of the Tao Te Ching (another aspect most translations lack), and lets the reader interpret the meaning as he/she sees fit.Anyhow, in closing, a fanstatic translation, that stands above the rest. I strongly recommend this for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

A "work" of this sort, written long ago and in a language whose modern version is still foreign to Anglophiles, initially (IMHO) should be approached, as I have done, through a translation by a native speaker of English who has extensive background in sinology and well-developed critical thinking skills. Similar to the Bible, where similar problems are present; my preferred approach is through Robert Alter. This is especially true where the text, even when well translated, is full of paradoxes and subtlety. One must be confident the translator has done their best to be accurate, and also explains how, where that is possible. Already some of what I initially found puzzling and peculiar has become more comprehensible to me, especially in light of Mair's extensive discussion of Te, and extremely complex concept. When the translation is not perspicuous, you might as well just read someone's "commentary" on it. Here, you get Mair's commentary along with what seems to be a very clear view of what was originally written in its apparently-earliest version. I feel I can learn from a book like this, not just get side-tracked by stuff from another source. So far I have not found a review that suggests there is a "better" translation than this one, though I will continue to search.

About forty years ago someone "loaned" me this book. Thirty years later they were at my house, saw the book and said "Hey that's my book!" I said "yes but I'm not done with it yet!"This is one of those books that you don't read so much as re-read. I will read this book slowly over a period of several days and then put it down for a year or two and then read it again. Each read seems to take on more meaning and clarity.I have read several different versions, some better than others, and have found this one to be my favorite. I recommend that you don't just read one translation of the Tao Te Ching but however many you read this should be one of them.

Thé translation is too liberal, in my view. I have read the original text, and I think Watson stretches his translator’s freedom too far.

Over the course of the last 15 years or so I've seen maybe six English translations of the Tao Te Ching, including those of Red Pine and Henricks. I'm not qualified to speak to the accuracy of Mair's effort, but I have found it to be far and away the most poetic and powerful that I've encountered. This truely sings in places, as Mair attempts (so he says) to impart not only the meaning of each verse, but its approximate effect as well.However, Mair is not shy (nor is he intrusive) when it comes to pointing out awkward and impenetrable language or derivative notions wherever he believes he encounters them. I find this kind of frankness instructive and refreshing. It led me to a greater appreciation for the rich historical context of both the text and the ideas that it conveys.

Dr. Mair does an excellent job again. Despite or because of his academic perspective, he treats the Tao Te Ching with great respect not only as a work of literature or of wisdom, but of the spirit.Not only do his academic insights open up a great deal of the spirit of the text itself, they offer new understanding of other traditions/paths and spirituality in general.The woodcuts, the fonts used and the size of the book add to its readability and preciousness. This is my fourth version of the Tao and, to date, my favorite.(I also recommend Dr. Mair's "Chang-Tzu.")