Tao Te Ching

London, England, UK.: The Folio Society, 2010. Book. Very Good. Hardcover. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. The book and slipcase are in very good condition, little shelf rubbing apparent. Some fading to edge of slipcase from light exposure. Three-quarter Brown Cloth Hardback. Colour plates and two colour fold-outs. 'A famous legend tells of Lao Tzu, who left the royal court some time during the Chou dynasty in the 6th century BC. Stopped by the guardian of the pass who begged the scholar to leave a record of his wisdom, Lao Tzu recited the Tao Tê Ching, which translates as 'The Way and Its Power', went on his way and was never seen again. The Tao Tê Ching is one of the foundation stones of Chinese ethics, culture and philosophy, ranking alongside the great religious works. The oldest extant text, written on slips of bamboo, dates from around 300 BC. No one knows whether one author or several lie behind the legendary figure of Lao Tzu, but beyond question is the lyrical intensity of the 81 short chapters of mystical poetry, which describe the limitless creative force of the Tao - or the Way - and how it may be harnessed. Itself built on Confucianism, the Tao in turn heavily influenced the development of Chinese Buddhism. At its centre lies the system of opposites and paradoxes amongst which the sage, the ruler and the enlightened must find their path of perfect balance.' xxiii+235 pages. 11 x 6.25 inches. May require additional postage. This listing was made by a small independent book shop. We carefully inspect every single book we list and give accurate descriptions. If you require we will promptly send pictures of listed books upon request. .