I Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Oracle and Book of Wisdom (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by John Minford (PDF)

Description

From the acclaimed translator of the Tao Te Ching and The Art of War, his award-winning translation of the ancient Chinese oracle and book of wisdom, in a stunning Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition Pose a question, then toss three coins (or cast your yarrow stalks) to access the time-honored wisdom of the I Ching. The I Ching, or Book of Change, has been consulted through the ages, in both China and the West, for answers to fundamental questions about the world and our place in it. The oldest extant book of divination, it dates back three thousand years to ancient shamanistic practices involving the ritual preparation of the shoulder bones of oxen. From this early form of communication with the other world, it has become the Chinese spiritual book par excellence. An influence on such cultural icons as Bob Dylan, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Philip K. Dick, and Philip Pullman, the I Ching is turned to by millions around the world for insights on spiritual growth, business, medicine, genetics, game theory, strategic thinking, and leadership, and of course for the window it opens on China. This new translation, over a decade in the making, is informed by the latest archaeological discoveries and features a gorgeously rendered codex of divination signs—the I Ching’s sixty-four Tarot-like hexagrams. It captures the majesty and mystery of this legendary work and charts an illuminating path to self-knowledge.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: About the Author John Minford (editor/translator) is the award-winning translator of the Viking Penguin editions of the Tao Te Ching and The Art of War and an emeritus professor of Chinese at the Australian National University.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I have acquired and studied a number of translations of the yijing over the years. I purchased this one after reading a glowing review from Joseph Adler. I have to say that I am not all that impressed. There really isn’t anything new here that hasn’t already been said by others albeit in slightly different ways. Minford’s choice of words is sometimes questionable, sometimes reasonable and sometimes I find myself saying WTF? It seems to me that the author is trying to create an atmosphere that is part ancient China, part medieval Europe and part fantasy. The second part, the “Bronze Age Translation” could be omitted with no great loss as could the liberal use of modified Latin quips sprinkled throughout the entire text. This book does not include the entire classic canon of commentary (the ten wings) and instead offers bits and pieces in an unusual order. Minford’s use capitalization follows no rules and is distracting. A lot of whitespace is what makes this book larger and heavier than it need be. The page stock is heavy but the binding is of low quality. I don’t know how well it will hold up over time. The spine is already giving way on my copy.Would I recommend it? Probably not. I wouldn’t put it on the same shelf as Wilhelm/Baynes or even Richard Lynn’s translation with Wang Bi’s commentary (definitely worth attention). I think there are better choices for understanding this classic text.

⭐Though the scholarship is outstanding, I bought a hardcover because the book was presented as a “deluxe edition.” I am disappointed in the quality of the book. Best to not spent your money on the hardback. The paper is cheap and entire edition presents with mediocre binding. I am going to keep the book but don’t be fooled by the “deluxe edition” hype. Get the paperback if anything.

⭐I’ll start by saying I do not know chinese, but I do have many versions of the I Ching including James Legge’s version and the Wilhelm/Baynes version. In my opinion this is the best. I love it. I love how it was interpreted from a Daoist point of view. I also love how the author also translated it in the (possible?) original meaning. I once thought how could these to translations be from the same text? How did the bronze age text which seemed so brutal, turn into something so beautiful? Thanks to John Minford’s smooth translation, I have no problem seeing the transformation. To me, they’re not that different. One spoke to a very different culture and I feel there is not much difference in meaning when taken into the context of the time. Like I said, I’m not an expert, so be kind if you correct me. For what its worth, this fine book is well worth the price! I would be more than happy to recommend it. It is very smooth and easy to understand. It also inspired me for the first time to study more ancient chinese culture.

⭐I can’t recommend this book enough! Minford writes with clarity and precision, making his book an especially ideal resource for those who wish to encounter this ancient work. His comprehensive introduction sets the stage for a learned and informative analysis of the trigrams and hexagrams that are at the heart of the I Ching. What I especially like is his skill at blending his own ideas and interpretations (carefully identified) with the wisdom and insights of the many other great scholars who came before him. By adding the section called “Bronze Age Oracle” Minford also offers some valuable clues as to how the I Ching may have originally developed. I feel that this book will be a constant companion for me in the years ahead and I heartily recommend it to everyone who may be interested in Chinese history and religion.

⭐Hi, the I Ching didn’t came in the best conditions.

⭐I have been collecting Yi Jing (I Ching) texts for the past 30 years . I have well over 150 titles including numerous academic papers from the past half-century. This is easily one of the best translations ever written in the English language. Minford’s erudition and natural sense of humor reveal an author of great depth and understanding. There is no single definitive translation of the I Ching, however, Minford’s work surely belongs on the highest shelf amongst the greatest English translations of all time. Well done, Mr. Minford.

⭐I looked at the Kindle version of this book and debated over instant gratification – or – having something I could hold and consult. I chose wisely.I have been away from the I Ching for a decade and wanted to begin again – a new start. This version is nearly 1000 pages long. I have only just begun – so far – I am hooked. Concise and comprehensive. Love this version so far…will update as I am further along.

⭐It is a really heavy book. The pages are smooth to the touch and feels really nice when you flip it. I took off a star because the edges of all the pages are rough and uneven, not something I expect from a Deluxe Edition.

⭐This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition arrived with the front two pages almost detached and the cover coming away from the spine. NOT the quality I expect from Penguin, especially a deluxe edition!

⭐Beautiful looking, and feeling book.

⭐Brilliant. An outstanding effort, full of scholarship.

⭐Excellent

⭐The most comprehensive, detailed yet accessible book on the i-ching that you can find.

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