The classic Chinese novel: "Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim's Progress" (The Nation). Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies. This translation, by the distinguished scholar Arthur Waley, is the first accurate English version; it makes available to the Western reader a faithful reproduction of the spirit and meaning of the original. "Mr. Waley has done a remarkable job with this translation." -Helena Kuo, The New York Times "The irreverent spirit and exuberant vitality of it portraiture . . . make it an entertainment to which Mr. Waley's witty translation has obviously contributed not a little." -The Times (London) "Told with immense gusto, and quite apart from its deeper meaning and wise proverbial sayings it is full of entertainment." -The Guardian

''The Way and Its Power: A Study of the Tao Tê Ching and Its Place in Chinese Thought'' is a seminal work by renowned British sinologist and translator Arthur Waley. Originally published in 1934, the book is widely celebrated as one of the most authoritative, scholarly English translations of Lao Tzu's ancient text, the Tao Te Ching. Waley's treatment of the text remains unique and influential due to several distinct characteristics: Unlike many translations before it that relied heavily on medieval Chinese interpretations, Waley sought to understand what the text meant at the exact time it was written (which he estimated to be around 240 B.C.). The title itself reflects Waley's distinct translation of the book's core principles: The Way (Tao / Dao): Interpreted not merely as an abstract cosmic entity, but as a practical rhythm of the universe to align with. The Power (Te / De): Rather than translating Te as standard "virtue" or "morality," Waley translated it as "Power"-the inherent, latent force or efficacy that a person or thing possesses when in complete alignment with the Tao.