The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu | 
 enlarge | Authors: Lao Tzu, Brian Browne Walker
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Category: Book
Buy New: $9.95
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Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 52101
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 112
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3
ISBN: 0312147449
Dewey Decimal Number: 291
EAN: 9780312147440
ASIN: 0312147449
Publication Date: November 15, 1996
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Product Description
The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu is one of the most widely read and deeply cherished books in the world, a work many consider the wisest book ever written. In his introduction, translator Brian Browne Walker says, "It is less a book than a living, breathing angel."
In his new translation, Walker stays close to the direct literal accuracy of the Chinese characters while producing a modern, exceptionally clear version that has the ring and voice of Lao Tzu, a man who may or may not have been a single individual. "I have come to think of Lao Tzu less as a man who once lived," Walker writes, "and more as a song that plays, eternal and abiding."
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 My favorite translation October 5, 2008
So far this is the best translation of the Tao Te Ching I have come across. I have tried the often recommended version by Stephen Mitchell, (which Brian Walker also recommends), but I just did not connect with it. It surprised me that I preferred Walker's version because it is the more literal translation, so I expected it to be less poetic and moving than Mitchell's version. On the contrary though, I found Walker's version to be much more poetic and moving.
Another reviewer has commented that Walker states this is not a strict translation. For me, I am not much concerned whether a version is a literal translation, or more of a "rendition". What matters to me is whether I connect with the words. I'm not qualified to say how literal Walker's translation is, but to put the other reviewers comment into perspective, let me quote from Walker's forward:
"I have endeavored in my own to stay as close as possible to the direct literal translation of the Chinese characters; in a very few places, it proved impossible to do that and get the proper idea across, and in those instances I have used the minimal amount of poetic license necessary to effectively communicate the teaching."
In any case, you can compare the first several poems from both versions here on Amazon. I suggest you compare each side by side and then get the version you connect with most.
 The Wisdom of the Ages October 12, 2005
3 out of 11 found this review helpful
Everyone knows how great the Tao Te Ching is!
But I want to add that this translation by BRIAN BROWNE WALKER goes so far beyond any other that I have read to capture what is, for me, the real essence of the wisdom of Lao Tsu.
I heartily recommend this version and over the years I have given many copies to friends, as I will do with this.
David Becker
The Best Translation Of The Tao Te Ching To Read While Enduring A Life Crisis July 12, 2005
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
This may sound like a silly or a comical name for a review of a book that I consider to be the best translation of the TTC to read while going through the dark times in one's life.
But I found Brian Browne Walker's translation of the Tao te Ching while going through a really bad divorce, multiple surgeries, and an all around crappy time in my life.
And it spoke to me, as if ole Laozi was there beside me, reading it to me himself.
While I study Red Pine's translation of the TTC much of the time now, I have a really special place in my heart for Mr. Walker's translation.
It's written by a man who KNOWS disaster, and devastation, and a man who has also walked through it all to the other side, and out of the shadows, and into the light of a life, well lived.
Walker translates the Tao te Ching with PASSION, and as other reviewers also mention, with clarity.
If you are going through a hard time in your own life, I encourage you to buy a copy of Brian Browne Walker's translation of the TTC, and let it speak to YOU, just as it did, and STILL DOES, to ME.
 Serviceable but not the best May 23, 2005
4 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is a merely serviceable version of the Tao Te Ching - not exceptionally accurate, but what's worse is, in this extremely prolific market, it doesn't offer anything other than a bare-bone translation. No commentary, no explanatory notes or introduction. In such a highly competitive field, this is simply not good enough to fork cash out for a purchase.
Among the Best July 16, 2004
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is one of my favorite translations of the Tao Te Ching. However, note that, like the author says, this is by no means a strict translation (athough in the case of the Tao Te Ching, there are so many varied translations / interpretations available that it is diificult to say if there is a strict translation). I would recommend this version of the Tao Te Ching it as a supplement to another translation.
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