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“Moss Roberts’s elegant and approachable translation provides an excellent introduction to one of the most important Confucian classics. This will prove a useful resource for students and scholars alike in understanding a key text of ancient Chinese philosophy.”—Olivia Milburn, Professor of Chinese, Seoul National University
“This new translation is no simple rewording of earlier translations but a fresh interpretation of this critically important early Chinese text. Rendering the original in graceful English, Roberts consistently captures the clipped, clean quality of the original.”—Stephen Durrant, Professor Emeritus, University of Oregon
About the author
Moss Roberts is Professor of East Asian Studies at NYU and the author of many translations including the Dao De Jing, Three Kingdoms, and Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies.
Summary
A fresh translation of one of the most recognized texts of the premodern world: The Analects is a must-read for those interested in China's past, present, and future.
This new translation by renowned East Asian scholar Moss Roberts offers a fresh interpretation of this classic work, sharpening and clarifying Confucius's positions on ethics, politics, and social organization. While no new edition of The Analects will wholly transform our understanding of Confucius’s teachings, Roberts’s translation attends to the many nuances in the text that are often overlooked, allowing readers a richer understanding of Confucius’ historic and heroic attempt to restore order and morality to government.
This edition features a critical introduction by the translator as well as notes on key terms and historical figures, a topical index, and suggestions for further reading in recent English and Chinese scholarship to extend the rich contextual background of the translation. This ambitious new edition of The Analects will enhance the understanding of specialists and newcomers to Confucius alike.
Additional text
"Roberts’s translation has the advantage of . . . an invaluable introduction and some useful appendices explaining terminology and providing a detailed timeline. . . . Roberts makes Confucius an engaging figure through this translation."
