Blofeld compiled this 1963 translation of the Book of Changes (Yi Jing) intending to present primarily the divinatory aspects of the I Ching in the notes and explanatory chapters. In his efforts he had the assistance of several learned native Chinese I Ching scholars. As useful as it is informative, the book includes not only the text and commentaries for all 64 hexagrams (with changing lines), but as well the background of the Book of Change, its symbolical basis, method of divination and guide to interpretation; and a variety of tables and diagrams for assisting interpretation.

Although considered by many an excellent primer to the I Ching, and it's notoriety as one of the first English versions published. I was not all that impressed with it. (But I say that with a degree of prejudice) because by the time I finally got round to reading it I had already read dozens of other I Ching books in English, German and Chinese and it just failed to lead up to the expectations that it's reputation would have me believe. Having said that if you never read an I Ching book or want a reference to early American thought about the subject then by all means read the book. It constantly gets republished and is very inexpensive. ( )