Zhuangzi: A New Translation of the Sayings of Master Zhuang as Interpreted by Guo Xiang

The Zhuangzi is a Chinese philosophical text that is the cornerstone of Daoist thought. Guo Xiang's commentary on the Zhuangzi is the earliest and most influential, offering insights into the meaning and significance of its aphorisms, narratives, and parables. Richard John Lynn's new translation of the Zhuangzi is the first to follow Guo's commentary in its interpretive choices, rendering the text in terms of Guo's understanding. The book also features a translation of Guo's complete interlinear commentary and is annotated throughout. A critical introduction provides an account of Guo's life and times and analyzes his contributions to the development of Chinese philosophy. Lynn sheds new light on how the Zhuangzi is situated in its historical context and considers it a guide to personal cultivation and self-realization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 808 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Zhuangzi, also known as the Sayings of Master Zhuang, holds a revered position as one of the foundational texts within the Chinese philosophical tradition and serves as the cornerstone of Daoist thought. The earliest and most influential commentary on this text is attributed to Guo Xiang, a scholar who lived from 265 to 312. Not only did Guo Xiang edit the Zhuangzi into its renowned thirty-three-chapter version, but his commentary also adds profound insights into the meaning and significance of the concise yet often enigmatic aphorisms, narratives, and parables found within the text.

In order to provide a fresh and comprehensive translation of the Zhuangzi, Richard John Lynn has undertaken the task of rendering it into English. His translation is remarkable in that it adheres closely to the interpretive choices made by Guo Xiang. By following Guo's commentary, Lynn aims to present the Zhuangzi in terms of his understanding, thereby facilitating a seamless integration of the text with Guo's insightful commentary. Furthermore, the book includes a complete translation of Guo's interlinear commentary, which provides further clarification and depth to the text.

To enhance the reader's experience, the Zhuangzi is extensively annotated throughout, offering valuable insights and explanations. Additionally, a critical introduction provides a comprehensive account of Guo Xiang's life and times, as well as an analysis of his essential contributions to the mysterious and esoteric field of fourth-century learning known as xuanxue. Lynn sheds new light on how the Zhuangzi, often perceived as a timeless book of wisdom, is situated within its historical context while also considering it as a valuable guide for personal cultivation and self-realization.

In summary, Richard John Lynn's new translation of the Zhuangzi is a groundbreaking endeavor that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on this ancient Chinese text. By closely adhering to Guo Xiang's commentary and providing a comprehensive translation of Guo's interlinear commentary, Lynn enables readers to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of the Zhuangzi. The book's extensive annotations and critical introduction further enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of this influential philosophical work.

Weight: 1220g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231123877