Product Description

The Inner Chapters are the oldest pieces of the larger collection of writings by several fourth, third, and second century B.C. authors that constitute the classic of Taoism, the Chuang-Tzu (or Zhuangzi). It is this core of ancient writings that is ascribed to Chuang-Tzu himself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #115980 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-01
• Original language: Mandarin Chinese
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
A C Graham

Customer Reviews

Exemplary scholarship!
Perhaps the first and most important point to make is that this is an excellent translation of the Inner Chapters.

There are an awful lot of books about Taoist thought and practice available in the marketplace, ranging from the profound to the absurd. A. C. Graham's work has clarified concepts that other titles barely addressed in any satisfactory manner, and his examples are always supported by helpful quotations and sound references.

One of the most important issues Graham highlights is Chuang-Tzu's open acceptance and preparation for death which seriously challenges the claims that Taoist thought has always been concerned with the Quest for Immortality (and its associated alchemical/sexual/magical practices).

I would also highly recommend Graham's translation of Lieh Tzu.