Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching came into existence some 2500 years ago, since when it has become the most influential text of Eastern philosophy. Best translated as The Classic of the Way and its Power (or Virtue), its teachings are of simplicity, humility and 'non-action', and its cadenced poetry is at once spare and profound. This beautiful compact hardback edition, with gilded edges and foil on the cover, makes a wonderful gift.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound gift editions of iconic literary works from across history. These pocket-sized, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and custom endpapers.

According to tradition, Lao Tzu (an honorific title, meaning 'Old Master') was a contemporary of Confucius and the father of Taoism in the 6th Century BC. Many modern scholars, however, doubt his existence and contend that the Tao Te Ching was the work of several authors.

Translator John H. Macdonald studied several different versions of the Tao Te Ching in an attempt to find consensus between them and determine the literal meaning of the original.