| The Analects of Confucius Contributor(s): Watson, Burton (Author), Watson, Burton (Translator) |
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ISBN: 0231141645 ISBN-13: 9780231141642 Publisher: Columbia University Press OUR PRICE: $49.50 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: August 2007 Annotation: Compiled by disciples of Confucius in the fourth century B.C.E., "The Analects of Confucius" is a collection of aphorisms and historical anecdotes embodying the basic values of the Confucian tradition: learning, morality, ritual decorum, and filial piety. Reflecting the model eras of Chinese antiquity, the book is valued for its insights into the successful governance of the empire and its ideal organization of society. It has also been used for many centuries as a beginning text in the learning of classical Chinese. Filled with humor and sarcasm, the "Analects" reads like a casual conversation between teacher and student, emphasizing the role of the individual in the attainment of knowledge and the value of using historical events and people to illuminate complex moral and political concepts. Confucius's teachings focus on cultural and peaceful pursuits and the characteristics of benevolent and culturally distinguished government. He also discusses ancestor worship and other rites performed for the spirits of the dead and the importance of filial piety in cultivating one's moral and ethical development. The single most influential philosophical work in all of Chinese history, "The Analects of Confucius" has shaped the thought and customs of China for centuries and has played a key role in the development of nearby countries, such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Burton Watson's concise translation uses the pinyin system of romanization and keeps explanatory notes to a minimum, yet his intimate knowledge of the Confucian tradition and precise attention to linguistic detail capture all the elegance, cogency, and wit of the original text, which continues to exert tremendous influence. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Eastern - Religion | Confucianism - Philosophy | History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical |
| Dewey: 181.112 |
| LCCN: 2007005401 |
| Series: Translations from the Asian Classics (Hardcover) |
| Physical Information: 0.77" H x 5.58" W x 8.58" (0.80 lbs) 176 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) - Cultural Region - Chinese |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Compiled by disciples of Confucius in the centuries following his death in 479 B.C.E., The Analects of Confucius is a collection of aphorisms and historical anecdotes embodying the basic values of the Confucian tradition: learning, morality, ritual decorum, and filial piety. Reflecting the model eras of Chinese antiquity, the Analects offers valuable insights into successful governance and the ideal organization of society. Filled with humor and sarcasm, it reads like a casual conversation between teacher and student, emphasizing the role of the individual in the attainment of knowledge and the value of using historical events and people to illuminate moral and political concepts. Confucius's teachings focus on cultural and peaceful pursuits and the characteristics of benevolent and culturally distinguished government. He also discusses ancestor worship and other rites performed for the spirits of the dead. The single most influential philosophical work in all of Chinese history, The Analects of Confucius has shaped the thought and customs of China and neighboring countries for centuries. Burton Watson's concise translation uses the pinyin romanization system and keeps explanatory notes to a minimum, yet his intimate knowledge of the Confucian tradition and precise attention to linguistic detail capture the original text's elegance, cogency, and wit. |