The Texts of Taoism

The Texts of Taoism is James Legge's English translation of core Taoist texts, including the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi. This foundational work, published in 1891 as part of the Sacred Books of the East series, contains extensive annotations and commentary from Legge's scholarly perspective. The translation covers the complete Tao Te Ching attributed to Laozi, presenting the 81 chapters with both Chinese text and English renderings. The work also includes the inner chapters and selected outer chapters of Zhuangzi, maintaining careful attention to linguistic and philosophical nuance. Legge's scholarly apparatus includes historical context about early Taoism, notes on variant readings of the Chinese texts, and discussion of key terminology choices. The volumes contain additional reference materials including indices and comparative analysis with other Chinese philosophical traditions. This translation represents an important bridge between classical Chinese philosophy and Western academic discourse, highlighting the universal aspects of Taoist thought while preserving its cultural specificity. The work continues to influence contemporary understanding of Taoist concepts and their application to questions of being, nature, and governance.

Readers value this translation for its scholarly rigor and detailed footnotes that provide historical context. Many note that while Legge's Victorian-era English can feel stiff and formal, his careful attention to Chinese linguistic nuances helps reveal deeper meanings in the texts. Liked: - Comprehensive inclusion of both major and lesser-known Taoist texts - Extensive commentary and cross-references - Side-by-side Chinese and English translations Disliked: - Dense, dated language that can be hard to follow - Some readers find Legge's Christian perspective intrudes on the translations - Physical book quality issues (small print, thin pages) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Several reviewers recommend reading this alongside more modern translations. One Amazon reviewer noted: "Legge provides academic depth but at the cost of readability. Best for serious students rather than casual readers."

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🔸 James Legge spent nearly three decades in China (1839-1867) learning Chinese customs and language before translating major Chinese classics, making his translations some of the most culturally informed of his era. 🔸 The book includes the first complete English translation of the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), two fundamental texts that have shaped Chinese philosophy for over two millennia. 🔸 Legge worked closely with Wang Tao, a prominent Chinese scholar, who helped him understand nuanced cultural contexts and philosophical concepts that previous Western translations had missed. 🔸 Despite being published in 1891, Legge's translations remain influential and are still widely used in academic settings today, particularly for their detailed notes and commentary. 🔸 The author faced significant criticism from Victorian-era scholars for treating Chinese texts with the same reverence as Christian scriptures, but this approach ultimately helped establish Chinese philosophy as a serious field of study in the West.