Title
The I Ching: A Biography (Lives of Great Religious Books),Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
How the I Ching became one of the most widely read and influential books in the worldThe I Ching originated in China as a divination manual more than three thousand years ago. In 136 BCE the emperor declared it a Confucian classic, and in the centuries that followed, this work had a profound influence on the philosophy, religion, art, literature, politics, science, technology, and medicine of various cultures throughout East Asia. Jesuit missionaries brought knowledge of the I Ching to Europe in the seventeenth century, and the American counterculture embraced it in the 1960s. Here Richard Smith tells the extraordinary story of how this cryptic and once obscure book became one of the most widely read and extensively analyzed texts in all of world literature.In this concise history, Smith traces the evolution of the I Ching in China and throughout the world, explaining its complex structure, its manifold uses in different cultures, and its enduring appeal. He shows how the indigenous beliefs and customs of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet 'domesticated' the text, and he reflects on whether this Chinese classic can be compared to religious books such as the Bible or the Qur'an. Smith also looks at how the I Ching came to be published in dozens of languages, providing insight and inspiration to millions worldwideincluding ardent admirers in the West such as Leibniz, Carl Jung, Philip K. Dick, Allen Ginsberg, Hermann Hesse, Bob Dylan, Jorge Luis Borges, and I. M. Pei. Smith offers an unparalleled biography of the most revered book in China's entire cultural tradition, and he shows us how this enigmatic ancient classic has become a truly global phenomenon.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is 'The I Ching: A Biography' about? A: 'The I Ching: A Biography' explores the history and influence of the I Ching, a Chinese divination manual that has shaped philosophy, religion, and culture across East Asia and beyond.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The I Ching: A Biography'? A: The book is authored by Richard J. Smith, an expert on the I Ching and its cultural significance.
- Q: When was 'The I Ching: A Biography' published? A: 'The I Ching: A Biography' was published on March 25, 2012.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is available in hardcover binding, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does 'The I Ching: A Biography' have? A: 'The I Ching: A Biography' contains 304 pages.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is sold as 'New', ensuring that it is in pristine condition.
- Q: In which category is 'The I Ching: A Biography' listed? A: 'The I Ching: A Biography' falls under the category of Tai Chi & Qi Gong.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of this book? A: Yes, this is the First Edition of 'The I Ching: A Biography'.
- Q: What topics does the book cover regarding the I Ching? A: The book discusses the evolution, uses, and cultural impact of the I Ching, as well as its comparison to other religious texts.
- Q: Can this book be beneficial for those interested in Eastern philosophy? A: Yes, 'The I Ching: A Biography' offers insights into Eastern philosophy and the historical significance of the I Ching, making it valuable for readers interested in this field.