"[A] lively English translation [and] earthy commentary from one of the world's most distinguished sinologists and Taoist scholars…. A welcoming introduction for the novice and a subtle revisionist interpretation that will not be lost on scholars."
Robert Cummings Neville, professor of philosophy, religion and theology, Boston University; author, Boston Confucianism and Ritual and Deference
"[Kohn's] most luminous work…. Brilliantly distills Taoist notions of self, death, dreams, fate, cosmos and happiness…. Whether seasoned Tao adept or beginner, this book is essential reading."
Michael Winn, Healing Tao USA; coauthor with Mantak Chia of seven books on Qigong
“An illuminating guide to this great classic of Chinese literature and thought by Livia Kohn, indefatigable explicator of the Taoist tradition.”
Victor H. Mair, professor of Chinese language and literature, University of Pennsylvania
“Wonderfully accessible … transcribes the text’s subtlety and mystery for a broad readership…. Brings a fresh perspective to the work.”
Rodney L. Taylor, professor of religious studies, University of Colorado at Boulder; author, Confucius, the Analects: The Path of the SageSelections Annotated & Explained
“Reading this book is like attending a lecture by Professor Kohn. You get not only an interesting selection of Chuang-tzu texts, but also extensive commentaries infused with her personal touch. A perfect fit!”
Derek Lin, author, Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained
Kohn (religion & East Asian studies, emerita, Boston Univ.; Daoism and Chinese Culture) draws on the second principal source text of the Taoist tradition, the Chuang-tzu—which we now know best for the famed "butterfly dream," an anecdote that has given rise to many philosophical questions—to clarify a number of Taoist beliefs and practices. Kohn's work is not a complete or scholarly version of the ancient text but a thematically arranged selection designed to appeal to Western readers. VERDICT Kohn's introduction to a lesser-known exponent of the Tao should appeal, as intended, to many spiritual seekers, especially those interested in Asian traditions.