Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings

I have several versions of the Zhuangzi and this one is my favourite. Like Graham, it is a sound academic translation but superior in the literary sense. My new go-to.

This edition of Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings is one of those books that doesn’t read like philosophy in the way you expect—and that’s exactly what makes it so good. The writing moves between parable, humor, and something that almost feels like controlled absurdity. One moment you’re reading a simple story, and the next it flips your assumptions in a way that sticks with you longer than a straightforward argument ever would. It doesn’t lecture—it unsettles, then lets you sit with it. What stood out most is how readable it is. The translation keeps things clear without losing the strangeness that makes the text what it is. You don’t feel like you’re pushing through dense material; instead, you end up moving quickly from one passage to the next, even when you know you should probably slow down and think about it more. There’s also a surprising amount of humor. It’s subtle, sometimes dry, sometimes almost surreal, but it cuts through the philosophy in a way that keeps it from feeling heavy or overly serious. Physically (or as an ebook), it’s straightforward and functional. The structure is easy to navigate, and the sections are laid out in a way that makes it easy to dip in and out without losing your place. If you’re expecting rigid arguments or systematic philosophy, this might not be what you’re looking for. But if you’re open to something more fluid, paradoxical, and thought-provoking, this is a really rewarding read.

L'edizione di B.Ziporyn è un notevole esempio di come sia possibile rendere verosimile in lingua occidentale, rigida e schematica, un testo che per propria natura e linguaggio, tocca livelli elevati prediligendo la sfumatura e persino l'evanescenza.

Zhuangzi's writings are insightful and take you on a journey through the uncertainty of everything. He was known as the sage of uncertainty in ancient China, well worth reading and understanding!

Ce livre est un "faux" / une copie de piètre qualité (la résolution et qualité de la couverture et la police de texte le trahissent). Pourtant vendus au prix du vrai livre neuf! Detestable... (venu par Ame à zone!)