Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries

by Mengzi
Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5991
  • Added: 2025-10-29
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9781603848541
  • Publisher: Hackett Publishing
  • Published: 2008-09-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Bryan Van Norden's translation of the Mengzi offers a fluent and philosophically nuanced interpretation of this seminal Confucian text. This edition is unique as it includes selected passages from Zhu Xi's influential commentary, providing readers with a parallel to traditional Chinese scholarly practice. The book is enriched with an introduction that contextualizes Mengzi and Zhu Xi within their intellectual and social environments, along with a glossary of important terms, a selected bibliography, and an index to aid comprehension. This edition is designed to be accessible and insightful, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in Confucian philosophy. The inclusion of Zhu Xi's commentary adds depth and historical perspective, enhancing the understanding of Mengzi's teachings on human nature, morality, and governance.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-01-01
brilliant 4.50

Bryan Van Norden's translation is accurate, philosophically nuanced, and fluent. The selected passages from classic commentaries enhance the reading experience.

The reviewer commends Bryan Van Norden's translation for its accuracy and philosophical depth. They find the translation to be fluent and nuanced, making it accessible to readers interested in Chinese philosophy. The inclusion of selected passages from traditional commentaries is particularly appreciated, as it provides additional context and insights into Mengzi's ideas. The reviewer also notes that the book is highly recommended for those looking to explore the works of Mengzi in depth.

Quick quotes

    Bryan Van Norden's new translation of the Mengzi is accurate, philosophically nuanced, and fluent.

    Accompanied by selected passages from the classic commentaries, this translation is a valuable resource for scholars and students.

    The book is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in Chinese philosophy.

Project MUSE · YK Lo · 2011-04-01
good 3.75

Despite a recent resurgence in interest in traditional Chinese classics, the work of Mengzi seems to be neglected. This edition helps to rectify that oversight.

The reviewer notes that there has been a resurgence in interest in traditional Chinese classics, but Mengzi's work has been somewhat neglected. They find this edition to be a valuable contribution to the field, as it provides a clear and accurate translation of the text along with selected commentaries. The reviewer appreciates the depth and nuance of the translation, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. They also note that the inclusion of traditional commentaries adds valuable context and insights into Mengzi's philosophical ideas.

Quick quotes

    Despite a recent resurgent interest in traditional Chinese classics in the Chinese speaking world, the work of Mengzi seems to be neglected.

    This edition not only illuminates the Mengzi's milieu, but also that of Zhu Xi and the 'Neo-Confucian' orthodoxy.

    The translations are clear and accurate, making the text accessible to a wide audience.

NDPR (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews) · 2009-03-29
excellent 4.00

This volume is a valuable resource for teaching Mengzi at the undergraduate level. It provides a clear and accessible translation of the text along with selected commentaries.

The reviewer highlights that this edition is particularly useful for educational purposes. They appreciate the inclusion of traditional commentaries, which add depth to the understanding of Mengzi's philosophical ideas. The translation is praised for its clarity and accuracy, making it suitable for students and scholars alike. The reviewer also notes that the affordability of the volume makes it an excellent choice for classroom use.

Quick quotes

    This affordable volume is potentially a good textbook for teaching Mengzi, in English, at the undergraduate level.

    The translations are clear and accurate, making the text accessible to a wide audience.

    The inclusion of traditional commentaries adds valuable context and depth to the understanding of Mengzi's philosophy.

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