Early Daoist Scriptures (Daoist Classics , No 1) (Volume 1)

I have sat through 2 lectures of Prof. Bokenkamp and found that his knowledge of Eastern thought has followed through in this book. Though not for a person looking for an introduction into Taoist thought, this book is informative in the fact that it has content I have not found in other books. Also, the book is written more for a western audience, which isnt necessarily bad, but Prof. Bokenkamp has taken some liberties with the English language that may have been better kept in Chinese context. For those with a background in Taoism, I recommend this book. Others might want to try the Tao Te Ching first to gain insight into what Taoism is about.

This is a very good book and has A LOT of material for a deep study of Daoism as a religion. Will be very useful for those who take this beautiful and ancient Path seriously.

The temporary relativity is difficult to overcome in works as this one. I celebrate and appreciate the patience of the translator.

Wonderful introduction to the religious Daoism tradition. Sincere gratitude to the author's onerous translation work.

This is a well laid out and practical guide to discovering the scriptures. I highly recommend it to all beginners of the practice.

lOTS OF INFORMATION ON SANGQING.LINGBAO AND CLESTIAL MASTERS

ahhhh...sent to the Religious Studies Department where it may be more appreciated.

A key resource for understanding the formation and early history of what is commonly referred to as "Religious Daoism", this anthology of reliably translated scriptural texts along with clarifying introductory essays and notes itself merits status as something of a classic. Each of the selections offers something of particular interest in its own way, while their variety as a whole gives the attentive reader at least a fair hint of the vast range of Daoist literature in general. The choice and arranged order of the translations also cleverly arranges things in such a manner that the early evolution of Celestial Master Daoism from an obscure local movement to a widespread religious institution eventually inspiring variant approaches (Shangqing & Lingbao) plays out before the reader's gaze in vividly concrete and memorable form rather than as the welter of indigestible data it may sometime seem (at least to me?)--with the Xiang'er Commentary on the "Laozi" at the beginning demonstrating a crucial link to the so-called "Philosophical Daoism" of the Daodejing not always all that apparent otherwise. Altogether a model case for the vital role of translation in scholarly endeavor.