Dao De Jing: The United Version Paperback – October 3, 2016

English translation first, Chinese later. The translator wrote full Chinese explanation elsewhere.

I have many versions of the DDJ and was attracted to this one by what I was able to read from the sample of the preface regarding the author’s different interpretation of the word Dao. I was disappointed that the differences between his and earlier translations were not more fully explicated, neither in introductory material nor in notes to the text (of which there are none). His translation is very readable, but there is little to defend the claim of a ‘united version’.

I am not extremely familiar with Daoism or the founding text, Dao De Jing. The United Version, offered here in translation by Yang Peng, has a very informative preface that explains the differences in the known texts and interpretations, the shortcomings of the English translations, and the need for a "united" new translation. The book has the English translation as well as the Chinese text, which is no doubt useful for those who are bilingual. The translation in English reads well. The philosophy is more and more revealing and meaningful as one learns more about Chinese religious and philosophical traditions and history, but even without a deep understanding of ancient China and where Laozi is coming from, there is a lot to ponder and appreciate in this small book. The production value of the book is excellent, the font is very pleasing to read and the book is the perfect size for frequent reference and pondering. All in all, a very valuable addition to the philosophy library.

A carefully translated version of this classic