--- product_id: 116816764 title: "Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition" brand: "skylight pathslama surya dasderek lin" price: "£15.12" currency: GBP in_stock: true reviews_count: 11 url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/116816764-tao-te-ching-annotated-and-explained-skylight-illuminations-1st-edition store_origin: GB region: United Kingdom --- # Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition **Brand:** skylight pathslama surya dasderek lin **Price:** £15.12 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition by skylight pathslama surya dasderek lin - **How much does it cost?** £15.12 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/116816764-tao-te-ching-annotated-and-explained-skylight-illuminations-1st-edition) ## Best For - skylight pathslama surya dasderek lin enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted skylight pathslama surya dasderek lin brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Full description not available ## Images ![Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81yRBVtiP+L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Masterful translation, 'handle with care' *by M***R on Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2018* The translator has put a lot of thought into this translation. As I read it, the translation masterfully uses the english language device of the strong verb, which enables the text to carry through its rhythm throughout the 81 chapters.I have just two overall criticisms, about the annotations, and about the purpose of the text. The annotations are more introductory narrative expositions than critical analysis. They are meant to prepare and open the reader to the chapters, not necessarily to elucidate the completeness of each line. To give just one example, chapter 11 discusses , in a nutshell, the nature of activity, creativity, and space, of which the annotations hardly provide an analysis (to give just one example). I would read the chapters as they stand, and look at the annotations only if there is a real question or lack of clarity about the chapters. Reading the other way around, or beginning with the annotations, and then moving to the chapters, risks screwing up the genuine experience of the complexities of the chapters that at the same time are also simple truths.Obviously, an entire world view on metaphysics and cosmology is used or presumed by the original author, and if this were to be defined or discussed in the one page annotations, it would raise the annotations beyond the introductory level for the purpose of which I am understanding them to have been written.Regarding the purpose of the text, it must be kept in mind that this book is a treatise on good government, which means it was written for someone who wants to rule. This makes the text doubly interesting. The book indicates that to rule well, the ruler must know the people s/he governs. This also means that the people, in order to live well, must understand the ruler in his/her different manifestations (see, for example, chapters 17 ff.). So the book must work both ways. More details could have been provided on this, in the foreword or in the annotations. ### ⭐⭐⭐ A handbook of a liberal pacifist *by K***R on Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2018* Classics. Well translated with some interesting points in footnotes. Wouldn't recommend reading the footnotes during the first read-through, for they tend to be quite simplistic and subjective. At some points I even had to shrug the IMO obviously misaligned conclusions. They do provide some insights, albeit heavily influenced by American way of thinking. Europeans, especially Eastern, might come to different conclusions than the translator.All in all aligns well with modern liberal thought ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perhaps the best translation I've read *by J***N on Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2015* I fell in love with the Tao Te Ching when I discovered it nearly 45 years ago. I was so enamored with the book (which I had checked out of the library) that I created a copy for myself on a manual typewriter. (This was back when the book was not readily available in bookstores.) When the Feng-English translation came out, I enjoyed it immensely because it was poetic and accompanied by terrific photographs. It was my favorite for many years. But after years of reading this text as well as many other translations, I have found that Derek Lin's translation and illuminating annotation seems to get closer to the heart of Lao Tzu's message better than any other rendering. It is now my go-to book when I want to recall what Lao Tzu said about a particular topic. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/116816764-tao-te-ching-annotated-and-explained-skylight-illuminations-1st-edition](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/116816764-tao-te-ching-annotated-and-explained-skylight-illuminations-1st-edition) --- *Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-05-17*