Tao Te Ching

The 81 chapters of Lao-tzu's classic Chinese manual on the art of living examine the basic predicaments of being alive, and give advice that aims to impart balance and perspective, and a serene and generous spirit. As relevant to government and sexual love as to child-rearing, business and ecology, the book is the most translated in world literature after the Bible. Both scholarly and humorous, Stephen Mitchell's translation sets out to retain the original's feeling of grace and deep wisdom. He has also published translations of Rilke and "The Book of Job".