Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters

David Hinton's compelling new translation of Chuang Tzu's Inner Chapters makes these ancient texts from the Golden Age of Chinese philosophy accessible to contemporary readers. Standing alongside the Tao Te Ching as a founding text in the Taoist tradition, Chuang Tzu is believed to be the work of a Chinese sage by the same name. Many contemporary thinkers trace Zen back to these Taoist roots, roots at least as deep as those provided by Buddhism.160 pp.

The Chuang Tzu, named after its author (364-290 B.C.E.), along with the Tao Te Ching, form the basis for philosophical Taoism. Only the "inner chapters," the first seven of the 33, are completely attributed to Chuang Tzu. Hinton offers a vibrant translation that captures the subtlety, complexity, ambiguity, and profound depth of the Eastern text. His ten-page introduction sets the work in its historical context and shows how Chuang Tzu's perspective is revealed through his use of language. Hinton is helpful in pointing out the numerous genres?humor, parable, myth, story, and philosophy?Chuang Tzu has used to compose his text. Hinton's refreshing translation is modern while at the same time capturing, rather than distorting, the Eastern essence of this work. Highly recommended even for libraries having a previous copy of this work.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernadino
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