A New Translation of the Hsün-Tzu

The book under consideration inaugurates a series of three projected volumes which will constitute the first complete English translation of the Hsün-tzu. The translation of the first six chapters is preceded by a long "General Introduction"; in addition there is prefatory material for each of the individual chapters. These scholarly discussions provide an excellent overview of the philosopher, his contemporary milieu, and the work itself. The scholarly apparatus is considerable and helpful. The translation is found to be reliable, in a general way; however, there are numerous errors of detail. There is also a surprising indifference, in the translation and in the special treatment of ethical terms, to the progress made in the past seventy-odd years in our understanding of the ancient Chinese language and script.