CD Audiobook not that great for Tao Te ChingApril 23, 2008 The Tao Te Ching is an excellent book worthy of intense study a-la Wayne Dyer who took a full year to study each verse for three or four days straight. Thus I'd recommend (regardless of translation) the printed book for the Tao To Ching... on audio CD it goes by far too quickly.
As to Mitchell's interpretation... it isn't terrible, other than sometimes using "he" and other times "she" for the "master". Use one or the other but don't keep skipping back and forth - it's rather annoying. Other than that, I have no severe issues with the translation.
Does not wear wellApril 12, 2008 2 out of 3 found this review helpful
When I first encountered it I liked this version of the Tao Te Ching. As time has gone by I have found it less and less interesting and in some cases actually irritating. Some of it I still enjoy, e.g. his rendition of number 9. But with others, e.g. number 50 it is apparent he has substituted something of his own in place of Lao Tzu's thoughts. This book would be better titled "Thoughts of Stephen Mitchell found on looking into Lao Tzu"
Very happy with the book...March 23, 2008 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
It was my intention to choose three books on the Tao Te Ching by different translators to read. The book arrived in excellent condition and the ordering process was seamless. I will enjoy reading this version along with the two other translations for many years.
A useful exerciseJanuary 23, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Mitchell writes well; his Tao Te Ching comes across as more poetic than most translations I've read. But while the words are prettier the meaning seems lost at times. I agree with the reviewers on here who criticise Mitchell for paraphrasing ligitimate translations and often missing the point. However, I still feel like his version is worth reading. By questioning this version (which you probably will if you've read a real translation) you promote your understanding of Tao Te Ching.
Tao Of TranslationJanuary 15, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Others object that this translation is not pure enough or accurate enough and yet no translation is ever good enough compared to the original language of the author. Its not perfect, but then who is? Its practical and accessable and, and for me, extremely useful. From my point of view, this version captures what other translations only hint at - the day to day use of the Tao in creating a serene life. Namaste.
