Description
1965 First printing. Dust jacket has some wear and tears along the sides and one large tear in the spine. Hardcover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and marks. Spine has some wear on the top and bottom. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This rare first edition of Thomas Merton’s seminal work on the Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu is a true gem for collectors and readers alike. Merton, a Trappist monk and renowned spiritual writer, brings his deep understanding of Eastern philosophy and mysticism to bear on his translations and interpretations of Chuang Tzu’s enigmatic writings. Published in 1965, at the height of the counterculture movement’s interest in Eastern thought, this book offered a fresh perspective on the ancient Chinese sage’s teachings on the art of living in harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of the universe.
Despite the wear and tear on the dust jacket and hardcover, which lends a charming patina of age, the clean pages and secure binding ensure that this copy remains a delight to read and study. Collectors will appreciate the historical significance of this first printing, as well as Merton’s role in introducing Taoist philosophy to a wider Western audience. Readers, meanwhile, will be captivated by Merton’s poetic yet accessible translation, which captures the wit, wisdom, and paradoxical nature of Chuang Tzu’s timeless parables and musings.
