The Complete Confucius: The Analects, The Doctrine Of The Mean, and The Great Learning with an Introduction by Nicholas Tamblyn

I had not read Confucius before and I greatly enjoyed it. I knew nothing of the history and involvement of his disciples in the writing process. I would recommend it to those who want to gain a better understanding of what he had to say and how it’s relevant today. I am also glad I read the two works that aren’t “The Analects”, “The Doctrine of the Mean” and “The Great Learning”, which show the teachings in a wider context. Each of the texts is a fast read compared to some other philosophical books, written in easy to understand language. There are many teachings that everyone can relate to and it should be necessary reading for everyone as the messages (simple at heart) of kindness, friendship, diligence and hard work, and treating others as you wish to be treated are teachings that always need to be shared.

This book is amazing, Kongzi founded the grounds of the education in China and taught younglings over all to respect elder people and the importance of the family.

I had no idea of this philosophy before reading this book. It is an interesting glimpse into the ancient Chinese society and customs. While my understanding is limited because some references that would be common knowledge in that day are unknown to me now, I still saw the traits that seem to be with all men of great influence. But with most if not all philosophies their is something to gain and some things that decay with the societies in which they evolved. All in all worth the read with some good thoughts to consider even in today's world.

The utility of this edition of Confucius is its completeness; while "The Doctrine of the Mean" and "The Great Learning" are short, but it is still nice to have them bound with "The Analects" and not have to go to other volumes or sources to read them. It is especially wonderful that it is inexpensive! I do, however, have two qualms. The translation of these texts is the public domain translation of James Legge. While this edition is inexpensive, you could also read the entire contents of this volume for free. Yes, there is the introduction written by Tamblyn. But not only is the introduction largely reproduced in the store description here on Amazon, it is also short and at times written with puzzling errors of grammar. Considering that one is here to read Confucius, not Tamblyn, this is no big deal. The bigger issue I have is that there is a total lack of running headers in the book, so that it is difficult to know where you are in the Analects, or even if you are in the Analects. In a work with multiple chapters, let alone a work with multiple works, running headers are not just a bonus. I consider them necessary. Still, since the book is doing something very helpful, I am still giving it 4 stars.

Well worth the read, informative.

This book is a collection of some of the more prominent texts of Confucius. These texts display the eastern philosophies that many seem to be striving to return to in this modern age. This book is perfect for gaining a basic understanding of the principles of Confucius or as an augment to a text in any philosophy class. Unfortunately much of philosophy taught in individualistic societies is of the western nature, so if you would like to incorporate the eastern teachings as well, look no further than this book!

Hi all It may be just me. The writing does not flow smoothly.

When you can’t find anyone of intelligence to talk to, this is a great replacement. Confucius, Tao, Bible the same and yet very different.

Difficult to comprehend & difficult to amke make sense out of it

Great book, worth a read. This edition is also the right price for the casual student of eastern philosophy.

Horrible translation, makes it really hard to read and understand what the master says most of the time.

Arrived on time , good read .

The translations are hard to read and understand. Would of liked more simpler englisj