The Analects of Confucius - Arcturus Pocket Wisdom Hardcover

Book Synopsis

This handsome jacketed hardback edition presents The Analects of Confucius with striking two-color page illustrations and a ribbon marker.

The Analects are a fascinating anthology of the words and ideas of Confucius, gathered by his loyal disciples. They espouse the importance of education for moral development and celebrate the qualities of sincerity, piety, and virtue. In these pivotal writings, human behavior was put under the microscope for the first time.

Confucius provides a moral code by which each one of us should live based on ideals of responsibility, respect, kindness, and honesty - qualities as relevant and sought-after today as they were 2,500 years ago. His principles continue to shape Eastern philosophy, politics, and culture.

This edition contains an introduction by John Baldock and the classic translation by W. E. Soothil, beautifully accompanied by two-color illustrations.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Pocket Wisdom brings together elegant pocket hardback editions of essential works of philosophy from the Western and Eastern cannon. Each using classic translations, they are elegantly presented with handsome dust jackets, two-color illustrations and ribbon markers.

About the Author

A teacher, thinker and philosopher, Confucius (c.BC551-479) was born in the Chinese state of Lu (now part of the Shandong province. His lifelong teachings of filial duty, benevolence, morality and sincerity developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism which has deeply influenced Eastern philosophies ever since.

W. E. Soothill (1861-1935) traveled to China as a missionary before becoming Professor of Chinese at Oxford University. His superb translation of The Analects, first published in 1910, presents a faithful and coherent text for both the general reader and the specialist.

Editor John Baldock trained as a painter and art historian. While living in France he studied the symbolism of the medieval cathedrals and this inspired an exploration of the universal truths that lie at the heart of the world's spiritual traditions. His published books include The Elements of Christian Symbolism, The Essence of Sufism, and The Essence of Rumi.