About the Translation

Renowned translator William Scott Wilson has rendered Lao Tzu's classic in the most authentic way possible, using both the ancient text and the even older Great Seal script used during Lao Tzu's time. The result is a new and nuanced translation, accompanied by Chinese ink paintings and ancillary material.

Contents and Features

Wilson includes an introduction that tells the story of Lao Tzu, the "old man" and the "keeper of the archives", and notes to illuminate the text. He also includes two short essays—one explains the relationship between Taoism and Zen, and the other explores the roots that link the spiritual aspects of the Tao with the practice of Chinese and Japanese martial arts.

Review

Wilson's version of this ancient classic is wonderfully fresh and readable.