Folio Archives 190: The Analects by Confucius 2009
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The Analects by Confucius 2009
Over 2000 years ago, Confucius taught his pupils with a series of wise sayings or analects that have been passed down to the present era and influenced societies in the West as well as the East. None are more than half a page in length, and most are just a single thought provoking sentence. The language used is poetic, even in English translation, and makes for a book that is good to dip into for a page or two at time followed by brief quiet contemplation.
Covering topics such as compassion, humility, respect, law and order, he became one of the world’s greatest thinkers. He emphasised leading a good life, but encouraged celebrating this style of life rather than prostelysing.
The book is illustrated with nine Chinese paintings sourced from a Sung Dynasty (12th. century) scroll that was used to depict the analects about filial piety.
Translated and introduced (38 pages!) by D. C Lau, there is also a three page preface by A.C.Grayling; appendices covering events in the life of Confucius, the disciples and the history of the Lun Yu as the Analects are known in China. There are also comprehensive notes and a glossary.
The book has xii plus 248 pages, dark brown endleaves, and is bound in light brown cloth printed on covers and spine with a picture from the Album of Leaves by Zhao Mengjian titled Three Friends of Winter. The dark brown slipcase is 28.7x19.2cm.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
Over 2000 years ago, Confucius taught his pupils with a series of wise sayings or analects that have been passed down to the present era and influenced societies in the West as well as the East. None are more than half a page in length, and most are just a single thought provoking sentence. The language used is poetic, even in English translation, and makes for a book that is good to dip into for a page or two at time followed by brief quiet contemplation.
Covering topics such as compassion, humility, respect, law and order, he became one of the world’s greatest thinkers. He emphasised leading a good life, but encouraged celebrating this style of life rather than prostelysing.
The book is illustrated with nine Chinese paintings sourced from a Sung Dynasty (12th. century) scroll that was used to depict the analects about filial piety.
Translated and introduced (38 pages!) by D. C Lau, there is also a three page preface by A.C.Grayling; appendices covering events in the life of Confucius, the disciples and the history of the Lun Yu as the Analects are known in China. There are also comprehensive notes and a glossary.
The book has xii plus 248 pages, dark brown endleaves, and is bound in light brown cloth printed on covers and spine with a picture from the Album of Leaves by Zhao Mengjian titled Three Friends of Winter. The dark brown slipcase is 28.7x19.2cm.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
2gmacaree
I like this edition but could really do with a nicer copy of the Analects. Would be all over a thoughtful LE.
4AMindForeverVoyaging
>2 gmacaree: Take a look at the 1933 version from the Limited Editions Club, translated by Lionel Giles. It's physically wonderful, including the wooden case it resides in, and can be found for sale for what very likely would be less than an FS LE would cost.
5U_238
>4 AMindForeverVoyaging: Thanks to Warwick and you for pointing these out. There's also a more affordable 1970 version published by the LEC, which can be had for less than $100, and which also appears to be a very fine edition.
6AMindForeverVoyaging
>5 U_238: Yes, I'm torn on which I ultimately want to acquire. The '33 version is awfully hard to resist. Fortunately, I'm not one to get multiple versions of the same book, so that should limit the financial damage :)
