Customer Reviews
A much needed translation of a vital work. - By: , 10 Apr 2002 
In many ways the Ta Chuan is the core of the I Ching, it provides the philosophical & cosmological background for the I Ching. Yet most translations ignore it. I don't read Chinese, so I rely on the work of others to render these classics into English. This new translation by Karcher is excellent. It has a strong Taoist inclination & is filled with spirit. I would suggest that if you work with the I Ching, this is a necessary addition to your library.
The book is attractive & well presented & my only criticism is a lack of references & notes.
Surprisingly good! - By: J. Scott, 29 Jun 2001 
I was given this book by a friend who was aware of my interestin the Tao (at least, he knew I was interestedin Taiji, I Ching, etc.)
There's a problem with much of what is currently being written about the Tao, & the problem is best summed up by pointing out that you're more likely to find books on the Taoin the 'new age' section of the bookshop, rather thanin religion or (better still) philosophy.
So I was grateful for the present, but had no high expectations of it. But as it turned out, I'm delighted with the book.
Those few people who have even heard of THE GREAT TREATISE have probably enountered it via Richard Willheim's I CHING. This is a much more accessible version, & gives the background, key terms, & so on,in a very readable style.
So, what is it?
Well, it's not the I CHING - you'll need to buy a copy (or copies) of that as well. But it's a treatise on the meaning & use of the I CHING, written by ancient sages who were far closer to the meaning of the original than the new age loons & con-artists of today.
I have no problem giving this book 5 stars (VERY rarein my reviews). If you have any sort of serious interestin the I, then it's worth having on your self. It's readable, & you'll return to it as a reference book.
Oh, & it has pretty pictures too! Very importantin a book about the Tao!!!
